The 2024 World Aquatics High Diving World Cup season served as the qualification pathway for the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025. As the world’s best prepare to compete on the sport’s biggest stage, we look closer at the athletes set to compete from the breathtaking heights of the 20m and 27m platforms.
Up next in the women's competition is Annika Bornebusch. Annika is set to compete at the World Championships in Singapore, ready to make her mark on the global stage.
We put Annika into the question-and-answer hot seat. Here's what we got from her:
A Dream Dive Spot
Annika’s dream dive location is rooted in her Danish heritage. “In Denmark, there’s the Great Belt Bridge,” she shared. “It’s a suspension bridge, but there’s also a lower part that’s 20 meters. I’d love to dive from there!” Combining its height and beauty, the bridge would make a stunning backdrop for her skills.
Best performance yet
Annika’s favorite competition? Her latest one! “This weekend in Bahrain has been special,” she said. “I’ve done my best result in World Aquatics, only by a couple of points, but still, it feels good to get more consistent.” With focus and determination, she’s on a roll in her high diving career.
A Royal Audience
If Annika could invite anyone to watch her dive, it would be none other than the King of Denmark. “It would be really cool to have him there,” she said.
Mind Over Music
While Annika typically enjoys listening to music to prepare, she adapted to a setback when her earphones broke during her latest competition. Instead, she leaned on mental exercises. “I do a lot of visualization and mental techniques,” she explained. “It helps me stay relaxed and focused on the job, even when things get stressful.”
Terrifying Yet Thrilling Handstands
Annika’s signature dives? Armstand dives, which she describes as both scary and exhilarating. “I love doing armstand twists or flips. It’s terrifying, but it feels amazing to be able to do an armstand at 20 meters,” she said. She’s even brainstorming ways to make them more complex, like adding extra flips.
The Power Of Visualization
Staying calm and collected is key to Annika’s diving success. She shared that she relies on visualization techniques not only to mentally rehearse her dives but also to remind herself of her purpose. “I think about all my training, why I’m here, and my mission,” she said. This focus helps her shine under pressure.