“At 19 years old, it is amazing to compete against the heroes I watch on TV. I am happy to not only compete but also be friends with them. The preparation for Bahrain has been intense, with a month of training in Florida and working on two new dives, including a high-difficulty Back Quint dive. Today was my first practice in Bahrain and I’m excited to show what I can do tomorrow.”

- Zach Picton (AUS)

 

"Preparing for Bahrain High Diving World Cup was challenging as I was working the past year in diving operations at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I could only manage around three hours a week in the pool, but after the Olympics ended, I pushed hard with 15 to 20 hours of training weekly. It is been tough on my body, with some injuries and soreness, but I am determined to push through for these two World Cups before taking a rest. It is been a month of focusing on high diving, and I'm excited to compete tomorrow." 

- Jean-David Duval (SUI)

 

"The Bahrain 2024 World Cup will be my first senior high diving world cup but I am excited and feel ready. I know my dives and what I can do despite being the youngest female high diver to compete in this competition. I am looking forward to competing and building confidence for future events including the World Aquatics High Diving Junior Championships in Brazil this year. "

- Maya Kelly (USA)

 

"My preparation took an unexpected turn when I broke my leg slipping on ice, which delayed my first high diving competition. I missed the World Championships in Doha, but now, after recovering, I am excited to finally compete in my first World Aquatics high diving event. It is been a long wait, but I feel more prepared and confident with bigger dives. It is scary, but the progress has been great, and I am looking forward to the competition." 

- Francois Imbeau-Dulac (CAN)

 

"About a month ago, I hit a mental block which was really tough. I had to make the hard decision to step back, return to basics, and rekindle my love for diving. I am glad I took the time off and skipped a competition. During that time, I learned a new dive and today I successfully took it from 10 meters to 20 meters. It felt amazing to push through and regain my confidence while continuing to grow as a diver." 

- Xantheia Pennisi (AUS) 

 

"My preparation for Bahrain was challenging due to an injury earlier this year, which required constant physiotherapy, gym work, and water training. It was tough, but my training in Bahrain is going well. I am always a little nervous, but I am so happy to be here for my second High Diving World Cup." 

- Alejandra Sofia Aquilar Tovar (MEX)

 

"I have been in competition mode all year, so I did not focus on specific preparation for this event. Last weekend, I was diving in Austria, where it was freezing, so it is nice to be here in Bahrain with the warm weather. It is been hot, but much better than the cold, and staying hydrated is key. Training has been solid, and despite some challenges on the first day of training in Bahrain, I feel ready to compete." 

- Constantin Popovici (ROU)