by InTrieste
Trieste will host the first edition of “Vertigo Cliff Diving,” an international high diving championship, from July 12 to 14. The announcement was made at a press conference held in the Blue Lounge of the city’s municipal building, attended by Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, City Sports Councilor Elisa Lodi, Regional Councilor Pierpaolo Roberti, and Edoardo Iurincich, President of Vertigo Cliff Diving.
The event will feature 24 athletes from the ‘Red Bull Cliff Diving’ circuit, competing in the San Giusto basin. This includes reigning world champions Constantin Popovici and Rhiannan Iffland. Five international judges will be present to ensure the competition’s standards, marking the first time Trieste has hosted such a high-profile high diving event.
Mayor Dipiazza thanked the organizers for choosing Trieste as the venue, highlighting the event’s potential to enhance the city’s appeal to both residents and tourists. “This event will allow us to showcase the beauty of Trieste, with the diving tower prominently set against the backdrop of Piazza Unità d’Italia,” he said.
Councilor Lodi expressed satisfaction with Trieste’s capability to host significant sporting events. “This is a unique event,” she remarked, “and I encourage everyone to visit the village and witness the extraordinary performances of these top-tier athletes.”
The idea for the event began in 2016 when Iurincich was inspired by a high diving championship and envisioned bringing such an event to his region. This vision has materialized into a competition featuring platforms at heights of 10, 20, and 27 meters. The event is supported by a team of experts, including Olekseij Prigorov, an Olympic medalist and technical consultant, Davide Lorenzini, a former Olympian and safety coordinator, and Sabrina Manzato, a diving coach.
The diving area will also feature initiatives promoting inclusion and sustainability. Dr. Vincenzo Zoccano will lead activities focused on disability, Professor Franco Zanini will discuss sports nutrition, and Nicola Faggian will hold a debate on the green economy.
Preparations are underway, with the diving tower already erected in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia. The surrounding village, set to host various activities and entertainment, is nearing completion.
Event Schedule
Friday, July 12
- Blessing by Mons. Ettore Malnati
- 10:00 Technical trials at sea and village opening
- 17:00 Athlete presentation and diving trials until 20:00
- Village open until 23:00 with musical entertainment by Radio Company
Saturday, July 13
- 09:00 Village opening
- 11:00 Meetings on sports, disability, nutrition, and sustainability
- Musical entertainment by Radio Company
- 16:00 Start of diving competition
- 16:00 – 16:40 Warm-up
- 16:50 – 16:55 Athlete presentation
- 17:00 – 18:25 Diving rounds
- Village open until 23:30 with musical entertainment by Radio Company
Sunday, July 14
- 09:00 Village opening
- 11:00 Meetings on sports, disability, nutrition, and sustainability
- Musical entertainment by Radio Company
- 16:00 Start of diving competition
- 16:00 – 16:40 Warm-up
- 16:50 – 16:55 Athlete presentation
- 17:00 – 18:25 Diving rounds
- Village open until 23:30 with musical entertainment by Radio Company
The Vertigo Cliff Diving Championship aims to enhance Trieste’s cultural and sporting landscape, offering an exciting event for all attendees.
Interview: Olekseij Prigorov, an Olympic medalist and technical consultant, Regional Councilor Pierpaolo Roberti
