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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Gary Hunt tops El Nido leg, calls Palawan destination the 'mecca' of high diving

Gary Hunt tops El Nido leg, calls Palawan destination the 'mecca' of high diving

Published Apr 14, 2025 06:28 am

At A Glance

  • Veterans Gary Hunt and Rhiannan Iffland proved that experience is always an advantage as they splashed their way to the top and ruled the men's and women's events of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series here Sunday, April 13.

EL NIDO – Veterans Gary Hunt and Rhiannan Iffland proved that experience is always an advantage as they splashed their way to the top and ruled the men's and women's events of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series here Sunday, April 13.

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French Gary Hunt, left, and Australian Rhiannan Iffland (Red Bull Content Pool)

Ten-time champion Hunt, who was trailing behind in the first two rounds, delivered a spectacular Forward 3 Somersaults 3 ½ Twists that convinced the judges to give him 132.3 points. He followed it up with a Back 3 Somersaults 4 Twists in his second dive to earn 132.6 points for a final score of 422.1.

“I've cut my feet a little bit, but when you're up there, it just feels like the Mecca of high diving. I had a mission to do this time. I needed to impress the judges and fight my way back into the season, said the 40-year-old Hunt, who, after topping the men's side, was so pumped up to continue his pursuit of his 11th crown.

“As a wild card, the pressure is on, but I did what I had to do,” the French-British added.

Mexican Jonathan Paredes (381.9) and Romanian Constantin Popovici (381.15) finished second and third places, respectively, exchanging spots from the 2019 edition’s outcome at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Iffland, 33, started the season in style off a 4.4 DD Back 3 Somersaults 2 Twists and an Inward 3 Somersaults ½ Twist in her final two dives to reign supreme in the women’s division.

The eight-time titlist piled up 352.95 points for the top honor, while USA’s Kaylea Arnett came up short with 320.65 points to settle for a bridesmaid finish. Ukraine’s Nelli Chukanivska (313.8) took the third plum.

“That was a big win for me. I wasn't really sure that I could do it. The training was a bit up and down in the last few weeks,” said Iffland.

“Yeah, just super stoked to finish it off like that and take the top spot on the podium again here in the Philippines. So, I couldn't be happier. You know, the energy was amazing,” she added.

Filipino-Australian Xantheia Pennisi, who played as a wildcard, ended up as eighth placer after accumulating 261.4 points.

“I’m so happy to perform here again, hope I'll come back soon, but for now I’ll train in order to bounce back for the next stops,” said Pennissi, who was cheered by Filipino fans watching her on one of the scenic islands of El Nido.

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