Presently, Sautin is Vice President of the Russian Diving Federation and after attending the Opening Press Conference of the first FINA High Diving World Cup in Kazan (RUS) from August 8-10, he detailed to FINA his view on the newest aquatic discipline.
"I can understand divers performing from the 10m when they say that high divers ‘are crazy’. If you think, 10m is already high, and you are adding almost 20 additional metres!” For the record, he only did a try “from the 20m board..."
The inclusion of High Diving in the FINA programme is considered by the Russian star as a “big plus”, that will definitively “enhance the discipline in the future”. “The aquatic disciplines have already a lot of variety. Just think on the differences between Water Polo and Synchronised Swimming. High Diving is adding some more variety to it. It’s a great step forward!”
Two diving icons: Dmitry Sautin (RUS) and Orlando Duque (COL) - Photo credit: Giorgio Scala
Sautin also expressed his satisfaction with Kazan being the host of this première.
"It brings a lot of joy for the Russian people. They also know that next year the FINA World Championships and FINA World Masters Championships will be here, so the excitement is growing. This World Cup with ‘one year to go’ for the great aquatic celebration is certainly a good appetizer."