The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series wowed a 23,000-strong crowd in Boston Harbour on Saturday as Gary Hunt confirmed his position as cliff diving's top dog for 2011.
The Englishman secured a successful defence of his World Series crown with a top score of 463.20 points after four rounds of diving from the 26.5-metre-high platform atop the Institute of Contemporary Art.
Hunt's impressive execution of a one and a half twisting quad confirming a fourth win in a row following earlier wins in Athens, La Rochelle and Malcesine.
"I’m really pleased with my diving today," said Hunt. "Yesterday I got off to a bit of a shaky start but today I just got better and better. It’s four in a row so I really feel on top of my game. I’m going to celebrate with my friends, I’ve not got any special plans but I’m sure we’ll have a good time!"
Artem Silchenko was runner-up, while American diver Kent De Mond, inspired by the home crowd, took the final place on the podium.
"I’ve had my mind set on Boston as the one I really want to do well in," said De Mond. "I think all the divers want to do well in their home country. Steven (LoBue’s) been up and down and it was great for us to put it together for where it probably counts the most for both of us. I always dive so much better when I’ve got a good crowd supporting me."
Alain Kohl was fourth, and 2011 rookies Steven LoBue and Jorge Ferzuli finished fifth and sixth respectively.
De Mond's first podium since his third-placed finish in Sisikon a year ago pulled him to within 10 points of Kohl and Cyrille Oumedjkane as the battle for a coveted place in the top six goes to the final competition at Yalta, in the Ukraine, in two weeks' time.
Hunt hits home run at cliff diving competition in Boston