Kiwi judge set for homecoming

The Red Bull Cliff Diving Series made a stop in Paris, France. Photo: Red Bull

Simon Latimer has traversed the globe as a diving judge from the cliffs of Polignano to the Olympic Games.

Now, the seasoned judge will bring his expertise to his home country as Auckland hosts the final stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series

Latimer said New Zealand is perfectly suited for the spectacle of cliff diving.

"People are always talking about how New Zealand's got a reputation for being the adventure capital of the world. So it just feels really natural to bring it here."

The series has graced iconic locations worldwide, including the Eiffel Tower, but Latimer said Aotearoa brings its own assets to the event.

"We've had these events all around the world and places like the Eiffel Tower and various different spots. But New Zealand brings its own unique charm with the views of the Sky Tower, the Harbour Bridge, and Rangitoto."

Having officiated at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Latimer has an esteemed resume and sits on a panel of five judges at every stop of the series, where they meticulously assess the divers based on specific criteria.

"We're looking for sort of the height, the distance from the platform or tower that they're going from, and everybody knows about the fact that you don't want to make any splash when you go in the water."

The site of the Auckland Cliff Diving Series. Photo: Red Bull

While height and splash control are essential elements, Latimer said there is another crucial aspect of the judging process.

"The other thing that we're looking for and might surprise people, but is that the athletes go in on their feet. Diving from 20 meters plus, it's not safe to go in headfirst. We want to see nice, straight entries into the water."

Latimer said the energy of the crowd adds an electrifying element to the competition.

"I've seen some of the events before in places like Paris where it's just absolutely packed, and it makes it way more exciting for them. I think athletes often respond to, you know, crowd noise, excitement, and a bit of banter as well."

He said this will be no different in the Auckland leg of the series.

"I think the Wynyard Quarter spot looks amazing, there's heaps of room for people is a show as well as performance. So the more people we can encourage to get down there and enjoy it and the athletes like to play off the big crowd."

For the first time in its 14-year history, Red Bull is bringing its world-famous Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series to Tāmaki Makaurau. On Sunday, 28 January 2024, Wynyard Quarter will host the series finale that will see 24 of the world's most elite divers

compete.

-RNZ