Boston is known for its sports heroes, but this weekend, a new name joined the city’s long list of legends: James Lichtenstein. On Saturday (September 20), the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series closed its 2025 season at the Institute of Contemporary Art, where the American delivered the dive of his life — becoming the first U.S. male diver to win on American soil.
With the ICA’s cantilever transformed into a launchpad and tens of thousands of fans lining Boston Harbor, the atmosphere felt more like a championship parade than a diving event. The men hurled themselves from 27 meters, the women from 21, all into the icy 64°F waters below. Between the buzz of the crowd, the pounding playlists, and the gasp-worthy entries, the finale was cliff diving at its most electrifying.
For Lichtenstein, it was the culmination of a season that tested his resilience as much as his technical skill. “I wasn’t happy with my last dive, but my first three were some of the best I’ve ever done,” he told Celeb Secrets minutes after his milestone win. “To get the win in front of friends and family on home soil is an incredible feeling.”
He edged out Romania’s Cătălin Preda by just 0.75 points in one of the tightest finishes of the year, with American veteran David Colturi claiming bronze. But what made the victory even sweeter was Lichtenstein’s journey to get here. Back in April, he was forced to withdraw from a stop in the Philippines after a bad landing rattled his confidence. “I knew if I went up there, I just didn’t have it in me to do the next dive,” he recalled. “That was definitely a setback. But then in Italy, I got my four dives down safely, and I started to believe again.”
From there, the comeback was on. He regained form at the World Aquatics Championships — which he also won — before bringing it all home in Boston. “Fast forward to here, and I’m on top of the world; not in the World Series, but definitely on top of the podium,” he laughed.
If Lichtenstein’s win was the headline, the broader story of the weekend was about legends proving why they’re untouchable. On the women’s side, Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland not only clinched her ninth consecutive World Series title, but she also pulled off a rare feat: a perfect season, going four-for-four in 2025.
The pressure was still there, though, as Canadian rival Molly Carlson threw down one of her best performances yet; but Iffland answered with signature precision. Her final dive — an Inward 3 Somersaults ½ Twist — was classic Iffland: laser-straight lines, a razor-sharp entry, and three 9.0s from the judges.
“It was somewhat of a victory lap, but the season’s not over until it’s over,” Iffland explained. “That last dive, I had in my mind… I want to go for a strong season all the way, start to finish. And I managed to do so.”
Even with her dominance, the nerves never truly fade. “Every single time I climb up, I still get nervous,” she admitted. “It’s an intimidating sport, but also empowering. You overcome those fears, and that’s what keeps drawing us back.”
Off the platform, Iffland found time to explore Boston like a true tourist. “I’ve been checking out the food scene — oysters, lobster rolls, you name it,” she said with a smile. After clinching her 45th career win and another King Kahekili Trophy, we’d say champagne and oysters are more than deserved.
Meanwhile, in the men’s overall standings, France’s Gary Hunt etched his name even deeper into the cliff diving history books, claiming his 11th career World Series title. At 41, Hunt’s comeback from a wildcard spot to season champion is proof of both skill and staying power. “Gary gives me hope that I can still walk at age 41,” Lichtenstein joked, tipping his cap to the diver who continues to push boundaries for the next generation.
Beyond the numbers and the trophies, what stood out in Boston was the energy of the fans. Every takeoff was met with cheers, every clean entry with roars, and every near miss with groans. For a sport that already blends art and athleticism, the electric crowd made the final stop feel like the ultimate end-of-summer send-off, as it truly felt like a block party on the water mixed with extreme sport.
For Lichtenstein, the moment is still sinking in. “I love competing, I love seeing what’s possible off the 27 meter,” he said. “That feeling of hitting a good dive is like nothing else.”
His secret? A calm pre-dive routine that’s equal parts ritual and reality check. “I’ll jump around a little bit, maybe check my phone, then take a couple breaths, do my arm swing, and go. My dive has started before I even leave the platform.”
And while Iffland decompresses with music — everything from Aussie hip hop to ’90s pop — Lichtenstein is already eyeing next season… sort of. “First, I’m going to sit on my couch for about a month,” he grinned. “Then I’ll play around with some new dives. But honestly, I just want to make sure I can keep doing these ones as well as I can.”
Boston wasn’t just the end of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series — it was the start of a new chapter. With James making U.S. history and Rhiannan proving perfection is possible, the future of cliff diving looks higher, faster, and bolder than ever.
Don’t forget to watch our full interviews with Rhiannan and James below, and let us know what you thought of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series grand finale by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
Interview quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity. For more coverage from Red Bull events, click here.
