The event attracted hordes of spectators from the Hawkesbury and across Sydney to watch as 11 international competitors performed dives from 27 metres into the Hawkesbury River.

The divers had travelled from across the globe to compete for one of four prestigious spots amongst the world’s best in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series from June to September.

Each diver performed four dives, leaping from 27.5 metres, hitting the water at up to 85km/h, with nine times the impact of a dive from a 10-metre Olympic platform.

David Colturi (USA) took first place in the event, wowing the judges with his dives, including his reverse double somersault with four twists.

Second place went to Blake Aldridge (Great Britain) with Steve LoBue (USA) and Jorge Ferzuli (Mexico) taking out third and fourth respectively.

Winner David Colturi said it was an incredible experience overall, and he had enjoyed his time with fellow divers here in Australia. “I’m looking forward to a long, successful career in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series,” he said.

Judge and Australian Olympic high diver Matt Mitcham said the series qualifier had set the standard for the whole series in 2012.

The triumphant four had lined up against competitors from locations as far afield as France, the Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Poland, to compete for a place in the series, which is now in its fourth year, and takes place in natural as well as demanding urban venues across the globe.

The 2011 World Series’ top seven divers, including two-time champion Gary Hunt (UK) and his predecessor Orlando Duque (Colombia), have all qualified automatically for the fourth series.

As well as taking second place, the UK’s Blake Aldridge was awarded the Toyota Camry Atara highest scoring dive and a $500 bonus check for his armstand two and a half somersault with triple twists.

Punters were also entertained in the Red Bull tent with merchandise and a DJ.