The 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series made an exhilarating return, and it was a weekend to remember for France’s Gary Hunt and Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland.
Competing in the stunning surroundings of El Nido, Philippines, the two legendary athletes marked the start of the season with dominant performances that set the tone for the rest of the year. Here’s everything you need to know from this unforgettable competition.
A Breathtaking Venue for Cliff Diving’s Elite
This year’s season opener transported competitors back to the essence of cliff diving, showcasing the sport in its purest form. With three intense days of competition, athletes dove from natural cliff formations into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by the majestic cliffs of Lagen Island. The venue’s beauty was matched only by the breathtaking skills of the divers as they executed daring dives from 21 meters above the water.
Gary Hunt's Triumphant Return
For the first time in three years, Gary Hunt, the French 10-time world champion, found himself back atop the podium. After stepping back from the permanent tour last season to pursue Olympic glory on home soil, Hunt made an impressive comeback as a wildcard competitor. His victory came with a jaw-dropping Back 3 Somersaults 4 Twists Free dive in the final round—a move that earned him a well-deserved first-place finish.
At 40 years old, Hunt’s triumph meant even more, considering the challenges he faced over the past year. "I feel great, I can’t wait to tell my wife," Hunt shared after the competition. "I’ve only had about eight or nine training sessions in the pool since the Olympics. My head was on the chopping block, and if I didn’t do well here, it would have been goodbye to the season. But now, they’re going to have to invite me back!"
In an unexpected twist, Hunt wasn’t the only wildcard to perform spectacularly. Mexico’s Jonathan Paredes secured a fantastic second-place finish, his best result since 2019. Meanwhile, Romania’s Constantin Popovici completed the podium in third, making it the ‘oldest’ podium in Red Bull Cliff Diving history, thanks to the combined ages of the top three finishers.
Rhiannan Iffland Dominates the Women’s Competition
In the women’s category, Rhiannan Iffland, the reigning world champion, delivered yet another flawless performance. With her win in El Nido, Iffland made the perfect start in her quest to win a ninth consecutive King Kahekili Trophy. This victory marked her 42nd win in just 52 career starts, further solidifying her status as the dominant force in cliff diving since 2016.
“I’m super, super happy, and I feel relieved,” Iffland admitted. “I came in not so confident, but I’ve done it. This is a beautiful but challenging location, and it really shows that experience can make all the difference.”
Joining Iffland on the podium were two rising stars: Kaylea Arnett from the USA, who secured second place, and 18-year-old Nelli Chukanivska from Ukraine, who took third. Arnett, who briefly led the competition after the first round, continued her strong performance to claim her fourth podium in just six career starts. Meanwhile, Chukanivska repeated her performance from last year’s finale, a promising result for the young Ukrainian.
Record-Breaking Performances and Championship Points
The El Nido stop wasn’t just about podium finishes. Both Iffland and Popovici earned extra championship points for the best dives of the competition. Popovici’s Forward 2 Somersaults ½ Twist Pike in round two left spectators in awe, while Iffland’s stunning Inward 3 Somersaults ½ Twist Tuck in the final round sealed her victory and earned her additional points toward the season’s title.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Cliff Diving Elite?
With the first round of the 2025 season now complete, the cliff diving elite will take a two-month break before heading to Polignano a Mare, Italy, in late June. Known as the "home of European cliff diving," this iconic location will serve as the backdrop for the second stop of the World Series.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with experienced champions and rising talents alike all vying for the coveted championship titles.
Final Results from El Nido
Women’s Standings:
- Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) – 352.95 pts
- Kaylea Arnett (USA) – 320.65 pts
- Nelli Chukanivska (UKR) – 313.80 pts
- Meili Carpenter (USA) – 280.20 pts
- Molly Carlson (CAN) – 279.65 pts
Men’s Standings:
- Gary Hunt (FRA) – 422.10 pts
- Jonathan Paredes (MEX) – 381.90 pts
- Constantin Popovici (ROU) – 381.15 pts
- Oleksiy Prygorov (UKR) – 353.35 pts
- Carlos Gimeno (ESP) – 339.10 pts
As the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series continues, fans can expect more jaw-dropping performances, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. Keep up with the latest updates on the official Red Bull website and follow their social media for exclusive content from the series.
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