It’s official: Iffland is the GOAT

New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Rhiannan Iffland carved her name into the history books as the world’s greatest cliff diver after triumphing in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series held at Mostar, in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Iffland took her place on the 21m high platform for the penultimate event of the season knowing victory would seal her 10th consecutive World Series title – and the 48th victory of her career.

The 34-year-old from Newcastle, who is also a five-time world high diving champion, thrilled the 20,000-plus crowd who braved sweltering conditions to attend the event across the three days of competition.

They roared Iffland on as she compiled a total of 363.20 points, ensuring she finished in front of Canada’s Molly Carlson (361.60) and fellow Aussie Xantheia Pennisi (345.80, a PB). Another Australian, Stella Forsyth, finished in 10^th place.

“I’m super stoked, and I guess it’s time to process and then celebrate,” said Iffland, as she hoisted the King Kahekili Trophy aloft in triumph. “I knew deep down in my heart that it wasn’t going to be an easy one today. I knew Molly wasn’t going to leave without putting up a good fight.”

“Forty-eight out of 50-something starts, it’s nuts! But I guess the recipe really comes down to passion, and drive and hard work. There is no secret recipe to being so consistent. Practice, practice, practice, and it paid off for me.

Iffland’s triumph — her 48th in 59 competitions — came after entering the final round just 1.6 points ahead of Carlson. She moved her to 77 points after four of the five stops on tour, an unassailable 27 clear of Carlson, with compatriot Pennisi (35) fifth.

Her victory was sealed by a stunning inward three somersaults half twist tuck dive . . . meaning by the time she resurfaced from the Neretva River she had replaced England’s Gary Hunt on the all-time wins list.

Daniel Lane, NSWIS