Cliff divers have their sights set on next month’s world cup

October 4, 2018

After completing another successful season at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, two Mexican divers have now set their sights on glory at next month’s FINA High Diving World Cup.

Adriana Jiménez and Jonathan Paredes, who finished second and third respectively in the World Series, are both strong contenders for gold at the event, which will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 9 and 10.

Jiménez, 33, won gold at the 2017 World Cup, which was also held at the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club.

“[I’m going to] work hard this month, I don’t want to leave anything to chance . . . I want to compete the best I can . . . I’ll try to leave the pressure of being the defending champion to one side because if you place pressure on yourself, you don’t enjoy it. One advantage is that I already know the venue . . .” she said.

Paredes, 29, has also experienced success at past FINA world cups, taking home two silver medals, most recently in 2016. However, this year, he hopes to go one better.

“The goal is to get on the podium and win the gold medal . . . It’s one of the only things I’m missing in my sporting career, winning gold at an official competition and I hope that it happens in Abu Dhabi,” he said.

Both Jiménez and Paredes will again compete in the Red Bull World Series in 2019 and also have one eye on the 2019 World Aquatics Championships that will be held in Gwangju, South Korea.