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In this episode of Dive Beyond Sports, hosts Freddie Woodward and Yona Knight-Wisdom interview Aidan Heslop, a record-breaking cliff diver who talks about his journey from traditional diving to high cliff diving. Aidan shares his early start in diving at age seven, his inspirations, and the mentors that helped him along the way. He opens up about the extreme nature of cliff diving, its risks, and the severe back injury that put him out of action for nearly a year. He also touches on the mental and physical challenges of recovery, his recent move to Montreal, and the importance of perseverance. Despite the setbacks, Aidan remains passionate about the sport and hopes to continue diving for another 10-15 years. He emphasizes the need for grit and determination, encouraging listeners to stay motivated even in tough times.

Show Notes

• How Aidan Heslop discovered cliff diving at just 12 years old and turned it into his life’s passion

• Why he chose cliff diving over Olympic-style diving despite the risks and challenges

• How he became the youngest diver to compete in Red Bull Cliff Diving at age 16

• What it felt like to stand on his first podium and later win a world title at 19

• How he handled a career-threatening back injury and fought his way back

• Why fear never fully goes away, and how he manages it with grounding techniques

• What makes cliff diving different from traditional diving in culture, risk, and creativity

• How great coaches and mentors shaped his growth and technical mastery

• Why resilience and determination remain at the core of his journey as an athlete

Guest Picks:

Aidan’s song recommendation: My Head Is A Jungle (MK Remix / Radio Edit) by Wankelmut → Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4krbxwy4XwgGWgLCmiKxuD?si=d541042f87194c7d

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Follow the Hosts and Guest on Instagram:

Aidan Heslop: https://www.instagram.com/aidan_heslop

Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward

Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw