Iffland triumphs despite tough lead-in

New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship holder Rhiannan Iffland overcame an ‘up and down’ lead-in to the opening event of her 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series campaign with a victory at El Nido, the Philippines.

Iffland, who won the inaugural El Nido event six years ago, secured the win courtesy of a pair of strong dives at the Big Lagoon. However, there was a sense of relief in her voice when she was interviewed by the media after securing the title.

“That was a big win for me,” said Iffland. I wasn’t really sure that I can do it. The training was a bit up and down in the last few weeks. Just super stoked to finish it off like that and take the top of the podium again here in the Philippines. I couldn’t be happier.”

The Australian acknowledged the contribution of the crowd who braved the scorching heat at the Big Lagoon for inspiring her to fight through for the win.

Daniel Lane, NSWIS