By MARK REY MONTEJO
EL NIDO – Experience is without the doubt the best teacher as Gary Hunt and Rhiannan Iffland used lessons learned from the past to dominate the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series on Sunday, April 13, here.
Under the blistering sun that made the waters on Big Lagoon of Miniloc Island shine like diamonds, Hunt saved his best for last, coming through with spectacular Forward 3 Somersaults 3 ½ Twists that convinced three judges to hoist 9 cards for 132.3 points.
As if it was not enough, his Back 3 Somersaults 4 Twists in his second dive proved more convincing, collecting 132.6 points for a final score of 422.1 to highlight his come-from-behind win in the men’s side of the 4-leg world series.
“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 French-British Hunt, who, after topping the male side, was inspired to continue his pursuit of his 11th crown.
“As a wild card, the pressure is on, but I did what I had to do,” he added.
Mexican Jonathan Paredes (381.9) and Romanian Constantin Popovici (381.15) finished second and third, respectively.
Meanwhile, Iffland started the season of her eight-peat bid in style, coming through with a jaw-dropping 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 8-time titlist piled 352.95 points for the top honor, beating USA’s Kaylea Arnett (320.65) and Ukraine’s Nelli Chuvanivska (313.8).
“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 earned a wildcard, ended up as eighth with 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.
All divers will have their time to strut their wares as the next stop will be in Polignano A Mare, Italy on June 28 to 29; Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 5 to 6; and in Boston, USA on Sept. 19 to 20.
