Australian high diver Rhiannan Iffland has had an extraordinary day in Japan, taking out the gold medal for 2023 Women’s World High Diving Championships as well as being named World Aquatics High Diving Athlete of the Year for 2022.

The win in Fukuoka today is Iffland’s third consecutive World High Diving Championships win, the first person in history to ever do so.

Iffland, a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship athlete led the competition from start to finish with a final score of 357.40, an impressive 34.60 points ahead of silver medalist Molly Carlson (CAN) and Jessica Macaulay CAN) in third (320.95 points)

“I am super stoked to go out and finish on two dives like that,” Iffland said.

“There was a lot of pressure going into that last round but somebody told me last week that pressure is a privilege and that was the way I tried to approach that round.

“Just go for it and do what I know how to do,” she said.

Iffland’s win was made sweeter with the announcement of being named World Aquatics High Diving Athlete of the Year for 2022. The newly crowned World Champion was awarded the honour following the completion of the final round, a day Iffland won’t forget anytime soon.

“It’s been a magnificent experience here. The facilities are amazing, the people have been amazing, it’s been really special.”

Iffland was recognised by coaches, administrators, media, athletes and fans on social media as the best athlete for the previous year’s competition season.

Diving Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Alex Newton said Iffland’s achievements today were extraordinary.

“What Rhiannan has been able to achieve today is nothing short of remarkable,” she said.

“It is such a privilege to be here and watch such an awesome athlete in action.

“To create history as the first person to win the World High Diving Championships gold three times and to be recognised as the World World Aquatics High Diving Athlete of the Year for 2022 is quite the feat, let alone both on the same day.

“She is an outstanding role model for our sport and I am sure the whole of Australia, along with the diving community, are absolutely thrilled for her.”

A special mention and congratulations to her coach Joel Rodriguez who guided her throughout this competition.

Iffland’s achievements wrap up a successful campaign for our Australian divers at 2023 World Aquatics Championships, with a total medal haul of two golds and one silver.

Story courtesy of Diving Australia

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