Cliff Divers crest Mount Olympus in Athens for first tour stop in Europe

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Rogue Mag Video Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2011 Athens

Greece and especially Athens are immediately affiliated with the ancient world, fabled myths and gods, science as well as the Godfather of all sporting competitions – the Olympics. Following the country’s rich tradition, the sunken lake Vouliagmeni on the outskirts of Athens is the perfect venue to host the 3rd tour stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2011 on Sunday, May 22nd!

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2011 from Rogue Mag on Vimeo.

To this day, the antique tournaments are the founding stone for cliff diving as well. The Olympic discipline of high diving from the 10m platform is still the backbone and essential training tool for all 12 divers on the way to the sport’s “Mount Olympus” – mastering the 25m challenge of the Cliff Diving World Series. The figures need to be executed as fast as Zeus’ lightning bolts while being as delicate as Aphrodite’s features before the free fall journey dives into Poseidon’s world.

With a spiritual kick-off on the Easter Island, followed by the stop at the magical Cenote in Yucatan, Mexico, the world’s best divers, yet again, face a whole new location and a new set of challenges. The leap into the dark and murky waters of the Vouliagmeni Lake demands flawless execution. Due to the dark surface of the water it’s almost impossible to estimate the relative height after take-off.

To succeed at this unique event, mind and body must be synchronized to perfection and preparations from the Olympic 10m platform are essential. After the drop out of the 9-times World Champion and current tour leader Orlando Duque (COL) due to a broken ankle, all cards of the series are reshuffled and the pressure is on: Slava Polyeshchuk (UKR), Michal Navratil (CZE) as well as Cyrille Oumedjkane (FRA) are within striking distance of Gary Hunt (GBR). All of them are determined to score vital points and rise in the ranks… In Greek mythology, 12 Olympian Gods reside on Mount Olympus, also known as the Dodekatheon. But this weekend the 12 world’s best cliff divers will take their place and battle for victory!

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