Joel was up to the text for Iffland’s latest glory

New South Wales Institute of Sport Diving program coach Joel Rodriguez had good reason to celebrate Rhiannan Iffland’s success in the latest round of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

Rodriguez was on his mobile phone and coaching Iffland via text from his Sydney residence in the early hours of Monday morning. And it was worth the effort as Iffland, considered by many as the greatest female cliff diver of all time, chalked up the 43^rd win from the 60 competitions she’s contested.

It was also her ninth win in the sundrenched Italian township of Polignano a Mare. The historic terrace houses built on the limestone cliffs that jut out from the Adriatic Sea, the ancient architecture, swarms of people, add to the majesty of the event. The Puglian cliffs also help the venue to become a natural coliseum.

But Rodriguez (pictured above), who has coached at NSWIS for the last 15 years, was oblivious to everything but Iffland’s needs as he guided the NSWIS scholarship holder to another victory – via text messages.

“We were texting at 2am and she told me the weather conditions were not the best,’ he said. “It was super windy, and that meant the waves were high. Women normally dive from 20m (the men 27m) but this time it was in between 20 and 21.5 metres because of the waves.

“It presented another obstacle.  However, she rose to the occasion and got the job done.”

Rodriguez said his approach to coaching via text was to focus on specific points that would allow for Iffland to remain focused and comfortable.

However, he said Iffland’s latest victory – her ninth at the Italian venue – was testimony to the constant commitment and consistency she displays.

Rhiannan Iffland with men’s winner, Carlos Gimeno, at Polignano a Mare, Italy

“The commitment Rhiannan puts in every day, regardless of her circumstances, makes her special,” said Rodriguez, a two-time Olympian for his native Mexico.

“She has high standards and high goals. For her it’s either winning or nothing and that’s why when she’s training, she’s always switched on and ‘there.’

“Her consistency also makes a difference. I think her mental strength, and the fact she loves being under pressure, gives her an edge. Pressure motivates her.”

And after going to bed at 3am, Rodriguez was himself the portrait of commitment and discipline as he was at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre by 6am to put the NSWIS divers through their paces.

Daniel Lane, NSWIS