IN SEARCH OF THE AWESOME RIP IN PLATFORM DIVING ENTRIES

Abstract

Outstanding diving performances depend upon: sound takeoff mechanics; good height; excellent form in the air; finishing the rotation well above the water; and a rip entry. Nevertheless, there is litHe doubt that it is the latter which makes a lasting impression upon the judges. When divers rip, they disappear below the surface with a minimum of splash as if they have been sucked into the water with barely a trace. Although the rip was perfected and popularized by Klaus Dibiasi, platform gold medalist in the '68, '72 and '76 Olympics, not until Gabriel's classic study (Brown et aI., 1984) was any extensive systematic research on the technique undertaken. Since then, competitive diving has evolved with an increasing number of somersaults being executed and higher performance standards expected. The objective of the present study was to gather information on how rip entries are effectively executed by competitors performing multiple somersaulting 10-m platform dives.