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We recently spoke with Iris Schmidbauer, a German professional high diver and Red Bull athlete. She's training to become the next world champion and continues to push the boundaries of the sport. We discuss her journey, her goals for the future, and the biggest challenges she's overcome so far. A bold woman, she embodies female empowerment and encourages others every day to overcome their fears. Read the interview below to learn more.
Iris, how did you get started in high diving?
It's a long story! I did a little recreational diving, only once or twice a week. I taught myself using YouTube videos and took a few lessons with the diving club, but it was nothing competitive or professional.
At 19, I was about to graduate from high school and I saw the world championships. At the time, there were only five girls diving. I was amazed to see that they could dive from a platform 20 meters high. I fell in love with the sport and simply wanted to learn how to do it, without thinking that I would end up competing.
What achievement are you most proud of?
It's probably becoming European champion, but I was also very proud of learning new dives this year, especially the triple double back flip, the most difficult one I do. When I started this sport, I always dreamed of doing these big dives, and now I'm doing them!
What are your goals for next year?
I have several. I want to get into 10-meter high diving and get a full 10-meter "list" next to it. For high diving or cliff diving, I want to do my best at every competition, be more consistent, and achieve a split entry (entering the water with little to no splash) on every dive. Ideally, I'd like to finish in the top five in the world at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Of course, the goal is to reach the podium next year, or even higher!
What do you like about this sport?
I love that it's always a challenge, that you always have to overcome your fears and push your limits. You never get used to it. You have to believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, and believe that everything you've learned will fall into place.
And I love that you don't need much in this sport. You just need a swimsuit and you're good to go. There's only yourself, the height, the water, and perfection. What I really love is when I'm in nature, standing on a cliff, feeling the rocks beneath my feet and diving into the ocean foam. When I surface and take my first breath, I'm so happy I overcame that fear!
What does your training look like?
I train with a team of traditional divers in the water, or on dry land with gymnastic-based exercises. We have trampolines, diving boards, and we do a lot of physical preparation. We divide the training into two parts: two hours on dry land and two hours in the pool. That's one session. We do two sessions a day.
What does your diet and nutrition plan look like? Do they change as you approach a competition?
I don't really follow any special diet. I just try to be sensible and eat healthy. But I want to improve my diet this year, especially with Lifeplus supplements, which can help me become the best athlete possible.
What advice would you give to those starting a new sport?
Oh, it's difficult. It's always complicated to do something out of the ordinary, but if you really want it, you can do it. You have to go for it.
What is your motto?
“Overcoming the impossible.”
What sets you apart?
Most people who practice high diving come from a professional diving background. I didn't start training until I was 19, which is quite late. Today, I'm one of three girls competing to perform the most difficult dive in the world. I have the most difficult list in the world right now. I had to figure it out on my own. I don't have an official coach for high diving; I get tips here and there that I then have to put together to push myself.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome?
There have been some big challenges. My parents aren't really supportive of me diving. They're not trying to stop me, but they're not thrilled either. They want me to be financially stable and have a normal career.
Another major challenge was my lack of experience with triple flips when I first started the sport. I fell three times during that dive. The last time I fell, I landed on my back after a 20-meter dive. I was coughing up blood and suffered whiplash, but I was really lucky not to have any serious injuries. To be honest, the injuries were more mental. When I had to go back up there and dive, I was terrified. It took me several years to regain my confidence.
In your opinion, what strengths make you an exceptional diver?
I never give up. I always believe in myself and I don't listen to what others tell me. If you know you can do it, don't give up and chase your dream.
Her tenacity and courage inspire us, and we couldn't be prouder to sponsor Iris Schmidbauer, who aspires to greatness in the world of diving. Follow us on social networks to stay informed about her activity and encourage her with us!