Rhiannon Iffland sealed a sensational title win in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series under the lights at the Dubai Marina on Thursday before signing off on top of the podium on Friday night.
The Australian, whose effort from the 20.5m platform saw her finish top of the pile, relished the experience of performing at night at Pier 7.
“It was amazing. The last dive of the series and I thought to myself as I was up on the platform, ‘this is my last dive so I want to make it count.’ And I delivered so I’m absolutely over the moon.”
The 25 year-old rookie admitted that diving at night did take some getting used to.
“It’s obviously different because the spotting and the visuals in the dive are quite different. The first day was quite frightening but once we got one or two dives off, we had no choice but to adapt to the different lights and diving at night so it did get better and easier.”
Iffland revealed that she had a very good feeling about her dive as soon as she hit the water.
“I had a slight feeling (I would place first) because the dive felt really good. It was completely vertical and the reaction from the other divers in the crowd gave it away for me.”
Asked where the event in Dubai ranked in her highlight reel, she replied: “Hands down the best experience of my life.”
In the Men’s event, Andy Jones entered the final two rounds on Friday night holding a narrow lead over six-time champion Gary Hunt but managed to seal top spot with his dive from the 28m platform.
The 31 year-old American reveled in the electric atmosphere at the Marina.
“It’s night time, you’ve got the lights in your face, the fans cheering, people are up top partying – it was a lot of fun.”
Jones was ecstatic with his win and is enjoying his new title as ‘Dubai’s Night Diver’.
“Yes, I am. I love it. I’m super excited. I can’t believe it. This is the best day of my cliff-diving career.”
Hunt had sealed the overall World Series title in Japan two weeks ago.