The divers had travelled from across the globe to compete for one of four prestigious spots amongst the world’s best in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series (June to September).

Each diver performed four dives, leaping from a heart-stopping 27.5 metres, hitting the water at up to 85kph, with nine times the impact of a dive from a 10-metre Olympic platform.

David Colturi (USA) took first place in the event, wowing the judges with his dives, including his reverse double somersault with four twists. Second place went to Blake Aldridge (Great Britain) with Steve LoBue (USA) and Jorge Ferzuli (Mexico) taking out third and fourth respectively.

Winner David Colturi said: “It’s been an incredible experience overall, and I’ve had an awesome week with my fellow divers here in Australia. I’m looking forward to a long, successful career in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.”

Judge and Australian Olympic high diver Matt Mitcham said: “The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is always a spectacular event, and today’s qualifier has really set the standard for the Series in 2012. David’s performance stood out as his execution is so precise – we can’t wait to see him perform again when the World Series kicks off in June.”

The triumphant four had lined up against competitors from locations as far afield as the France, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Poland, to compete for a place in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which is now in its fourth year, and takes place in extraordinary natural and demanding urban venues across the globe.

The 2011 World Series’ top seven divers, including two-time champion Gary Hunt (UK) and his predecessor Orlando Duque (Colombia), have all qualified automatically for the fourth edition.

As well as taking second place, the UK’s Blake Aldridge was awarded the Toyota Camry Atara Highest Scoring Dive and a $500 bonus check for his armstand two and a half somersault with triple twists.

Calendar and Locations
June 22 – 23 | France
July 6 – 7 | Grimstad | Norway
July 20 – 21 | Azores | Portugal
August 3 – 4 | Serpent’s Lair | Ireland
August 24 – 25 | Boston | USA
September 7 – 8 | Pembrokeshire, Wales | UK

September 27 – 28 | Wadi Shab | Oman

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