The world's best cliff divers will leap from the famous old Stari Most bridge into the chilly waters of the Neretva River in beautiful Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It's no wonder that Mostar's famous old bridge has served up so much recent drama. For three years in a row, Stari Most has played host to the penultimate stop of the season, a crucial point at which pressure can make or break an athlete's season.
In 2019, Gary Hunt and Rhiannan Iffland secured their titles here, while Constantin Popovici scored five 10s for a perfect dive. In 2018, Steven LoBue allowed the British record winner Hunt back into a thrilling title fight after missing the podium. And in 2017, Iffland almost lost her crown after a poor warm-up entry left her injured and out of the competition.
This season, the UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out as the first location on the calendar that's not completely new to the athletes and their dives into the chilly waters of the Neretva River will once again inspire the local diving tradition.
Diving off Stari Most dates back to the 17th century, when young men started to dive from the country's most recognizable landmark in a sort of maturity test in a very traditional technique. Today, the fine art of cliff diving is equally respected.
Built in the 16th century, the iconic bridge gracefully arches over the emerald water of Neretva River, connecting two parts of the old town in Mostar. On both sides surrounded by fortified towers, it fits seamlessly into the landscape, creating an impressive sight.
Created by Mimar Hayruddin, disciple of the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, legend has it that the builder never saw the bridge completed, as he left before the scaffolding was removed, having no strength to see if the bridge would stand. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent threatened to decapitate him if the bridge fell.
Eternalised in the city's flag and coat of arms, life in Mostar has been centred on the bridge ever since its construction. Equally iconic as the bridge is the image of a diver soaring through the air from it towards the fast, cold water of Neretva River.
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7 окт 2024
