Colombian cliff diver Orlando Duque, aka The Duke, is a free-falling force to be reckoned with. He’s a former Olympic diver, a nine-time cliff diving world champion and a two-time Guinness world record holder. Here he comes up for air just long enough to give Gtribe an exclusive interview.

You’ve accomplished so much. What are you most proud of?

My first world championship cliff diving win in 2000! That’s when I scored perfect 10s from all seven judges. It was a fantastic way to end a great season.

What is more thrilling: standing before the world diving for a gold medal or standing on the edge of a cliff, diving for your life?

Obviously there are still thrilling elements of Olympic diving – but add to that the change in surroundings at every location and the added risk and well… cliff diving is a lot more fun.

Is it true that when you dive from extreme heights, hitting the water is like hitting concrete?

Yes, from about 27 meters hitting the water hurts – even if you do a perfect dive. But it will feel like hitting concrete if you make a big mistake and land flat.

What is the worst injury you’ve sustained?

I broke my tailbone in 2002. I hit the water in almost a sitting position! And earlier this year I bruised my ribs. Those two have been my worst, but I’ve seen a separated pelvis. The diver’s legs separated under water and the ligaments tore.

Red Bull sponsors an annual cliff diving tournament in different locations around the world. Which is your favourite?

Hawaii is my favourite (and my home), but I also really like Italy. There are great cliffs there and even greater food. I’d like to find a location in Africa, but we haven’t been there with the Red Bull World Series yet. I’m sure there are some great cliffs to be found.

How are the destinations chosen for the Red Bull World Series?

The destinations are selected by a team of experts. First they get necessary information from local divers and then they do a location trip, where all the elements are thoroughly evaluated.

Some say that it is important for you to have fear when you dive. Would you say this is true?

I agree. It’s important to have fear before the dives because it helps you focus on the correct steps to perform safely.

What goes through your mind before… and after?

The seconds before I jump the only thought in my mind is about the dive – it is too risky to be distracted because everything happens very fast, and a small mistake can turn into something really bad. Right after the jump (if everything went well) there is this rush of energy. The fear followed by happiness is what keeps me wanting to dive.

How do you prepare for a big event?

Physically, I have to do a lot of fitness training to stay strong and be able to handle the impact of the water. I use equipment such as trampolines and weights to make myself better, stronger and faster. These elements help me perform at the highest level – but there is no equipment that is going to give me an edge. Mental preparation is most important. You have to overcome the fear and just go for it!

How do you celebrate after an event?

I like to have a few beers with the other divers – there is a lot of pressure before and during the events, so when all is done, I just want to relax.

The Red Bull divers seem like a close group. Are there any heavy rivalries?

We are a very close group because we understand what goes through the mind of a cliff diver. We don’t travel with any coaches, so we help each other as much as possible. If we see someone making a mistake that could be dangerous we speak up; we don’t want to see anybody get hurt. But of course there are rivalries – it is after all a competition, and we’re all competitors who want to win. Gary Hunt is my biggest competition.

Do many women take part in this sport?

Some. There is a competition in Mexico where women take part, but the platform is a little lower. I do see more women participating and improving their dives every year though.

Is cliff diving a good way to make a living?

I certainly don’t make as much money as golfers, tennis players or the like, but it’s a profession, and I’m able to live off it. I make money through sponsorships, exhibitions and consulting. But the most important thing for me is that I’m doing what I love.

If you weren’t a diver, what would you be?

When I was little I always wanted to be a cop – I sometimes still think about it. In fact, three years ago I contemplated retiring from competition and joining the police force in Hawaii. Then, that same year, the World Series started and it was a big step up for the sport. So I put the cop plans on hold and continued diving. I still think about it every now and then.

Do you have groupies?

I wouldn’t say that groupies follow me around, but there are people who follow my career on Facebook and Twitter. I do get some fan mail, and at some events I sometimes get small gifts. It’s nice to know that people enjoy watching my dives.

What are you goals for 2012?

2011 was a tough year for me because I had to retire from the World Series due to an injury. So for 2012, my main goal is to get back to the shape I was in early in 2011. If I can manage that, I can fight for the World Series title.

Cliff diving 101

What does it take to become a cliff diver?

It takes strength, flexibility and lots of concentration.

How can I start?

The best way to start is either at school or at a diving club. The most important thing to learn is basic diving technique, which will allow you to control your body in the air.

What will I need?

At cliff diving level, all you need is a cliff and some deep water. If you’re starting out at the pool then you’ll need a coach.

How do I turn pro?

To join the World Series you must endure a selection process by a team of experts who closely review your diving videos. The divers who are selected get invited to a qualifying event where the top divers will join the pre-qualified divers from the previous season.

Any important tips?

You must know how high you are. Some people misjudge the height and lose control in the air. Also, make sure that the water is deep enough and that there are no rocks or ledges underwater.

What’s the longevity of this sport?

If you stay in good shape, diving can be done for many years. I am 37 years old and still compete at a very high level. The oldest diver is 45 years old, and he placed fourth overall this year.

What are the rewards?

The reward is in the faces of divers who have managed to overcome their fear and have successfully jumped from an amazingly high place.

For more information: www.redbullcliffdiving.com