First up is Aidan Heslop, the reigning World Aquatics High Diving Athlete of the Year (in addition to the 2022 Athlete of the Year accolades he also won). The 22-year-old Brit claimed gold at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha last February and will enter Singapore as the man to beat in the men's event. 

We put Aiden into the question-and-answer hot seat. Here's what we got from him: 

Favourite Competition Spot

Image Source: Aidan Heslop dives from the 27 metre platform in Takachiho, Japan (Dean Treml/Getty Images)

Of all the competitions Aidan has participated in, his favourite location is Takachiho, Japan. “You get to dive in the jungle, and I won the title there as well, so it was a good one for me,” Heslop says.

Pre-Competition Playlist

Aidan’s pre-competition ritual involves music to get him in the zone with a combination of Eminem and Adele songs. “They are very different vibes, but they both get me focused and ready for the dive.”

Celebrity

Image Source: Aidan at the F1 Grand Prix of Canada paddock, with fellow high diver and girlfriend Molly Carlson (R) and F1 driver Sergio Perez of Mexico (Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

When asked about his celebrity. Aidan doesn’t hesitate to call his girlfriend Molly Carlson. “She is a super big celebrity, and I get a bit starstruck when I see her."

Dream spot to dive

The 22-year-old dream is to dive in front of Machu Picchu in Peru. “It’s been on my bucket list for a while. It’s such a beautiful spot.” 

Signature Dive Style

 

If Aidan were to create a signature dive style, it would be focused solely on twists. “I am not a great handstander, but I am a really good twister. So I would create a dive style where you can only do twists - front or back twisting, all of them.”