Annika Bornebusch - Denmark

I’m going to say two words to you: Porto Flavia.

 [smiles] Yes! I’m very excited. I’m going to the World Cup in Porto Flavia, and I was there last year for the Marmeeting comp. So it’s really special to be diving there again.

The location is amazing. It’s a natural setting — there’s just a small scaffolding, but otherwise you’re diving straight off the cliff into the open ocean. It’s beautiful and very unique.

Does that raise your level of expectation or even performance?

I did very well last year in Porto Flavia, but it’s definitely overwhelming. There are no lead-up heights — it’s straight out and go. You have to be in the right headspace, arrive with confidence, and be ready to dive at the highest level right away. Competing at Porto Flavia is a real signature competition for high diving.

Rhiannan Iffland - Australia

I have two words to you: Porto Flavia.

Oh — the food, the energy, the natural beauty. I was there last year for the Marmeeting competition; it was amazing. That was the first time women competed at that location, which made it very special. I’m super excited to go back.

World Aquatics hosting a World Cup there is just fantastic. As soon as I heard the news, I was thrilled. As a high diver, I love being out in the wild — I’m a bit of a wild child. I really enjoy being on the rocks and diving straight into the sea, so Porto Flavia feels like the perfect place for me.

Madeleine Bayon - France

Have you heard the news: The High Diving World Cup is coming to Porto Flavia.

Yes! I was there last year for a competition and I absolutely loved it. I’m super excited to go back. It’s such a beautiful venue, and now that it’s part of the World Aquatics circuit, it feels really special to be competing there again.

What makes Porto Flavia so unique?

Well, you actually have to cross through a mine to reach the platforms — and then you dive right out from it. From up there, the view of the sea is incredible. The spectators watch from boats, which makes the atmosphere completely different. Diving in a place like that, you really feel part of the landscape.

Does that setting affect your performance?

We’ll see! But it’s definitely more challenging. There are no warm-up platforms, you’re diving straight into the sea, and conditions like wind and waves come into play. High divers are used to adapting — especially from the Red Bull circuit — so I think experience and mental strength will be key in Porto Flavia.

Oleksiy Progorov - Ukraine

Porto Flavia — how would you describe it?

It’s difficult to put into words. Porto Flavia is incredible. In general, I love to dive in open water — it feels full of life and energy. It’s all about love for the sport. Porto Flavia is such a beautiful place, and I’m very happy to compete there. I even did some promo dives just to showcase the location.

And you’ve dived there several times before?

Yes. The first time I was there was just to check the location, and the second time was for the Marmeeting event. So I’ve had the chance to experience it both ways.

Constantin Popovici - Romania

Have you been to Porto Flavia before?

Yes, last year was my first time — and I think it was the first time for almost everyone, since it was the first competition held there. I finished second or third, I can’t remember exactly, but it was a great experience.

What makes the location unusual?

Well, to get there you actually walk through a tunnel that was part of an old historic mine. Last year, the space was a bit limited, but they said they’ll open another gallery this time, so we’ll have more room.

Overall, it’s a spectacular place. The weather is beautiful, the scenery is amazing, and it’s really special for World Aquatics to host an event in such a unique location.

Ginni van Katwijk (Netherlands) and Isabel Cristina Perez (Colombia)

Porto Flavia — what comes to mind?

GINNY: The food! It’s amazing. But also, the setting is beautiful, the water’s perfect, and I can’t wait to go back.

ISABEL: For me it’s all new. I’m excited, nervous, and happy at the same time. I’ve only heard incredible things.

How was it when you competed there last year?

GINNY: It was the first time, at Porto Flavia. You go through the old mine in hard hats to reach the platform — it’s really unique. Space was a bit tight, but this year they’ll open more areas.

ISABEL: That’s what makes it so crazy — even the path to the platform is an adventure.

GINNY: Exactly. And once you’re done, there’s even a ladder back up. Though if you need the bathroom… it’s a long trip back through the tunnel!

What makes Porto Flavia so special?

GINNY: It’s natural, outdoors, alive. And with World Aquatics committing to three years there, it gives us consistency and something to build on.

ISABEL: For me, it’s the idea that after all the training and battles, you arrive at a place like that — full of passion and beauty. Just being there feels like a win.

History of High Diving in Porto Flavia

A dive into the past... literally. 🎬 Each edition has written a page of adrenaline, courage and beauty. And the best is yet to come. 

Contributing: Gregory Eggert