Ask Rhiannan Iffland if eight Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series titles are enough to satisfy and she’ll tell you no.
Having already clinched yet another title at the tour’s previous stop in Turkey in September, Iffland is set to dazzle again for this weekend’s series finale in Sydney.
The Australian has had a chokehold on the sport, which involves plunging into the water at speeds of 85 km/h, since arriving as a wildcard in 2016 after literally jumping ship.
Starting out in diving entertainment on a cruise ship, then-rookie Iffland emerged with the King Kahekili trophy, named in honour of a legendary Hawaiian king, and has not loosened her grip on it since.
“It’s kind of strange. The first year, I was surprised that I won the title,” the 33-year-old told AAP.
“Winning eight in a row, I’m even more surprised.”
It’s not just titles that she has to her name – Iffland has set records like no other.
After claiming her fourth title in 2019, she became the first-ever diver across the men’s and women’s categories to go through a season undefeated.
Then in 2021, Iffland mastered choppy waters in Downpatrick Head, Ireland to become the first woman in the series to pick up 10s across the board.
It’s that elusive perfect dive that keeps the Novocastrian insatiable.
“Diving is the constant pursuit of perfection,” Iffland said.
“It doesn’t matter how many world titles you’ve won, it’s almost impossible to do a perfect dive.”
Iffland will have only three seconds to pull off the so-called perfect dive when she launches off the purpose-built 21-metre platform at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, overlooking Sydney Harbour.
“I look down every time. I still get nervous,” Iffland said.
“It’s a natural reaction, and to be honest, it’s a healthy relationship with that fear.
“All the thoughts are done before, that’s what I try and do before I stand on the end.
“Then the end is only … it’s a very silent place.”
Competitors will go through three rounds of diving before the men’s and women’s finals on Sunday.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/diving/how-aussie-iffland-mastered-the-sport-of-cliff-diving-c-16679750
