Gary's victory dive
Monday, 13 September 2010
Solent graduate Gary Hunt has been crowned the ‘undisputed’ champion of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series after clinching the winning point for his impressive dives in Hawaii.
The Southampton-born diver said: “It’s great, I’m speechless. I was just one dive away from the title. Now it’s really starting to sink in.”
The BA (Hons) Criminology graduate bounced back after narrowly missing out on the crown in 2009. He established an early lead in this year’s tournament with victories in France, Mexico, Norway and Switzerland.
Gary’s innovative dives put him streets ahead of the competition. Even nine-times world champion and 2009 Series champion, Orlando Duque, was unable to match his performance. A back triple somersault and four-piled twists - that utilized the entire 26-metre fall – helped Gary finish 15 points ahead of his nearest rival.
Gary was one of the University’s young sporting talents to be supported by the University’s Solent’s Talented Athlete Network Development (STAND) scheme, which made it possible for him to travel to the 2008 World University Games in Bangkok.
Sports Development Manager Matt Bishop said: “We are really proud of Gary. It’s great to see another one of our former talented athletes achieve sporting excellence in their chosen fields.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
Further information on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and images can be found at http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/World-Series/Cliffdiving-Page/001238874343857.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE on 023 8031 9040