Now 38 and living in Italy, Prygorov has been a fixture on the high diving circuit since 2019. Fresh off his final dive at the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup in Porto Flavia, Sardinia, he was all smiles as he watched the competition wind down from the athletes’ boat.

A European 3m synchro diving champion and a 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series winner, Prygorov opened up about his process, the thrill of high diving, and what it feels like to compete in one of the sport’s most spectacular venues.

We’re here in Porto Flavia, Sardinia. Set the scene for us — what is it like to dive here, and how are you feeling?

It feels amazing. Finally, we have a place like Porto Flavia — it’s just incredible. Usually, we dive in pools, which are great conditions for everyone, but diving in the sea, in such a beautiful setting, is something else. And look how many people came to watch us! That energy makes me feel alive.

The first competition day was tough for everyone, but each time you climb the platform, you see the cliffs, the sea, and the crowd — it’s powerful. The cliffs give you this mix of beauty and fear, but that’s what makes me feel alive.

Here in Porto Flavia, you even walk out from the mine above the platform before heading down to the 27m tower. How does that experience add to the dive?

It’s special — like coming from an even higher spot before reaching the platform. It makes you feel more connected to the place. But I always remind myself: you have to respect the water, the weather, the wind — everything. That respect is what keeps you focused and safe.

Take us into that final dive — what went through your mind and how did it feel to hit the water?

So good! My warm-up wasn’t great; I didn’t feel fully ready for my first dive today, and I over-rotated a bit. I was disappointed. But before every dive I tell myself: you know this, you can do it. I repeat the feeling, the rotation, the technique in my head.

When I finally nailed it (ed: on the fourth and final dive of the competition), I was so happy. I knew I was close to the top five, and that felt great. And the crowd… the way they supported us, the children cheering — I loved that.

Looking back at this season, is there one dive that stands out as your favourite?

Yes, the first event of the season — the Red Bull Cliff Diving in the Philippines. We dove from the rocks, and on the second rock I performed a triple front with a twist. That was brilliant for me. I love diving from rocks, even though it’s tricky. That dive is definitely one of the highlights of my season.

And Porto Flavia — what does this place mean to high diving?

It means everything. This is our sport: blue water, rocks, beautiful people, and incredible emotions. We high divers are like a family, and to have a venue like Porto Flavia is special. It’s hard to even describe how amazing this place is.

And the best part — we’ll be back here for at least two more editions. That makes me so happy.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself this season?

That no matter how tough things get — whether it’s fear, conditions, or a poor warm-up — I can still find joy and strength in diving. That’s why I love this sport.