Four-time Olympic diving referee Anke Piper, with a 12-year high diving judging career, and Olympic diving medalist Sam Dorman share their experiences and passion for the exhilarating world of high diving judging.
Anke Piper and Sam Dorman have both transitioned seamlessly into judging high diving, where their expertise and passion are shaping the future of this thrilling discipline. They discuss their love for the sport, challenges, and dedication to elevating high diving on the global stage.
Anke Piper | Four-time Olympic diving referee with a 12-year high diving judging career
A diving referee at four Olympic Games - Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 - Piper expressed the honour she had judging some of the world’s greatest divers but her passion didn’t stop at diving. In 2012, she stepped into the exhilarating world of high diving. Since the first High Diving World Championships in 2013, the German native has been a high diving judge at every World Championships and World Cup in high diving, except for one.
Piper’s fascination with high diving grew quickly. "Diving was the sport I loved and practiced for over 20 years," she explains. "But high diving captivated me - these high divers train incredibly hard to reach their peak performance and promote this amazing sport, despite having limited training opportunities and financial support."
"High diving captivated me - these high divers train incredibly hard to reach their peak performance and promote this amazing sport."
What sets high diving apart for Piper is not only the heights or risks but also the athletes' spirits. "They support each other in ways I have never seen before. Despite limited resources and sometimes harsh training conditions, they give it their all. It would be a dream come true for them if high diving is included in the Olympic Games soon." she says. For Piper, the challenges of judging high diving, where the weather can be unpredictable, only add to the sport’s allure.
As a mentor and lecturer for the World Aquatics technical official courses, Piper encourages aspiring officials to stay curious and committed. "Judges often work behind the scenes and may not be the most popular figures in the sport. It’s important not to take this personally and to learn how to handle it. Continuously educating yourself, watching competitions, and staying up to date with high diving rules and regulations is essential,” Anke said.
Sam Dorman | From Olympic diving medallist to high diving referee
Sam Dorman’s journey in the world of diving is nothing short of remarkable. Starting at the young age of eight, he quickly made waves. The highlight of his 19-year diving career came in 2016 when he won a silver medal in the men’s 3-meter synchronized event at the Rio Olympic Games along with his synchro partner Michael Hixon. However, Dorman’s passion for the sport didn’t end when he stepped off the podium.
After retiring as an athlete, Dorman found new ways to stay connected to the sport he loved by becoming a high diving judge and working as an engineer at Duraflex International, a diving products company and a World Aquatics Official Supplier. "As a former diver, I understand the stresses of diving and more for high diving athletes due to the heights and complexity of dives," Dorman says. "Now, as a high diving judge, there is even more pressure on me than being an athlete because I want to ensure every dive of each athlete gets the correct and deserved score."
"As a former diver, I understand the stresses of diving and more for high diving athletes due to the heights and complexity of dives. Now, as a high diving judge, there is even more pressure on me than being an athlete because I want to ensure every dive of each athlete gets the correct and deserved score."
Dorman's transition from competitive diving to high diving judging wasn’t just about a change in role - it was a shift in perspective. "In regular diving, the last thing you are looking at is the feet. In high diving, it is shoulders, hands, and head," he explains. While it’s different, Dorman says it's been an exciting challenge. "It is more intriguing, and it is a nice change of pace. I am happy to support the high-diving community while traveling around."