Elite Cliff Divers Soar Over Boston Harbor in Red Bull Competition
BOSTON (AP) — Thousands of spectators gathered along Boston Harbor to witness the thrilling spectacle of elite cliff divers soaring through the air during the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series event. Australian diver Rhiannan Iffland emerged victorious in the women’s section, showcasing her skill and precision as she plunged from a platform nearly seven stories high.
The competition, which marked the 100th stop in the series, saw participants leaping from heights of up to 90 feet into the chilly harbor waters below. British diver Aidan Heslop claimed victory in the men’s competition, emphasizing the intense competition among the world’s best cliff divers.
Boston served as the only U.S. stop in this year’s series, with the final event set to take place in Sydney, Australia in November. Organizers highlighted the dedication and training required by athletes to execute flawless dives, especially when faced with the challenge of leaping from an art museum into potentially frigid waters.
The event drew a record-breaking crowd of 45,000 people over the weekend, solidifying its status as a popular spectator event in the city. Judges scored the divers based on their form and technique, with each competitor vying for crucial championship points.
The Institute of Contemporary Art, which hosted the event, described it as a visually stunning opportunity for the public to witness the athleticism and skill of the cliff divers. As the series continues, athletes will continue to push the boundaries of the sport, thrilling audiences with their daring feats of aerial acrobatics.