A pioneering Swiss high diver, Morgane Herculano transitioned from springboard to the 20m platform after a decorated career at the national and collegiate levels. A 23-time Swiss national champion and NCAA competitor for Harvard University, the 25-year-old made her international high diving debut in 2024.
The Geneva native placed 11th at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha before finishing 12th at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, calling the latter a "growth experience." Most recently, she came close to the podium at the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup in Porto Flavia, Italy.
We caught up with Herculano on the athletes’ boat immediately following her fourth and final dive into the waters off southern Sardinia.
First off, what comes to mind after that final dive?
SO many emotions. Just putting together a solid list of dives is such a mental game—high diving is truly a mental sport. I learned a lot about myself this season. I experimented a lot with my training and spent a lot of time training alone, so it feels great to finally put it all together in competition.
Was there anything specific you were focusing on during your training dives and in this competition?
Yeah, learning about myself—staying grounded and in the present moment. I knew I had the capacity to do great things, but I would always find a way to mess it up. Learning to manage my emotions and not get overwhelmed in those three critical seconds of a dive has been huge for me.
What was your favourite dive of the season?
Honestly, my back twist. I trained with Team Canada and seeing my coach Steph proud in that moment made me feel immense pride. The crowd, the atmosphere, the location—it all came together. It was spectacular.
And Singapore 2025—how do you see yourself there?
A lot of growth. Definitely a lot of growth.
What else did you learn about yourself this season?
I realised I was getting so excited for competitions that I sometimes lost focus on technical cues and my abilities. I care deeply about the sport, which is why I want to excel, but it can also blur your focus. Staying present and remembering the few key words we focus on in practice is still something I’m learning.
How did you come into high diving?
I started springboard diving at 11 and was on the Swiss national team until I was 22, competing everywhere. Then I discovered the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and realised no Swiss women had competed in it before. After 12 years of springboard diving, I needed a new challenge and a renewed passion, and high diving has been amazing.
What’s next for you—rest, training, or cliff diving?
Definitely some rest and enjoying the scenery after the season, and then getting ready for next season.