First up on the women's side is Molly Carlson, the reigning World Aquatics High Diving Female Athlete of the Year.  The 26-year-old Canadian from Fort Frances claimed silver at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha last February and will enter Singapore as one of the top competitors going into the women's event. 

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

Signature Dive

Image Source: Oleksiy Prygorov of Ukraine competes during the Men's High Dive Budapest 2017 FINA World Championships. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Molly’s signature dive is the front quad half pike. “No female high diver competed this dive at the Bahrain 2024 World Cup. It’s a challenging dive but special to me.”

Dream Landmark for High Diving

One of Molly’s dreams is to dive in front of a Canadian icon - the CN Tower in Toronto. “As a Canadian, I really want to dive in front of the CN Tower. No competition has been in front of it yet!”

Favourite Competition Spot

Out of all the competitions that the 26-year-old has competed in worldwide, one country destination stands out to her the most is Japan. “Diving in Takachiho Gorge, Japan along the waterfalls was so scenic. Also, the Japanese culture. I love learning about different cultures when we travel for high diving.”

Celebrity to Invite

Image Source: Oleksiy Prygorov of the Ukraine dives from the 27 metre platform on Stari Most at Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2021. (Photo by Romina Amato/Red Bull via Getty Images)

“I would like to invite Selena Gomez to watch one of my high diving competitions. She is my girl. She is the mental health advocate.”

Rituals

Molly is a strong advocate for mental health. Before each dive, she draws motivation from the song - This Is Me from The Greatest Showman. “This song reminds me that no matter how you do, it is going to be okay. You are still loved.”