Kimberly Dives Into The F-Team

We are so excited to introduce diver Kimberley Benson to the F-Team! Kimberley is a high diver who dreams of competing on the Red Bull Cliff Diving circuit and one day representing her home country of Croatia, in the European Championships, and the Olympic Games (if high diving is introduced in the future).

Training with the Fort Lauderdale High Diving Team in the United States, Kimberley trains alongside Australian Chris Bednar, a Funky Trunks athlete who competed for many years as a platform diver in New South Wales before switching to the higher version of the sport (he now dives from 27.5m!).

Kimberley was a late comer to the sport of diving, starting out in 2020, and did not come from a background in gymnastics or acrobatics, she actually grew up doing ballet. For Kimberley it was about the mental challenge to achieve something she didn’t think herself was possible.

“There is no better feeling than accomplishing what felt impossible. That's what high diving does for me. I chase that feeling. I love proving my limiting beliefs wrong, and all those who told me it isn't possible.”

We caught up with Kimberley for a quick Q&A:

FK: Do you have any pre-event rituals that you swear by?

KB: I definitely talk to myself up on the 20m platform! I need to convince myself that I'm capable and I will be fine.

FK: What meal do you love, but can't tell your coach (Steve LoBue) you indulge in every now and then?

KB: Anything sweet honestly! I have a terrible sweet tooth.

FK: If you could compete anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

KB: I would love to compete in Croatia! As I will be representing them in future competitions, it would be a very cool experience to dive there and have my family members watch.

FK: What are your main interests away from training and competing?

KB: I am interested in stunt acting! So I train a lot on the side for that, whether it is high falls, martial arts, acrobatics and acting. I also love handstands and weightlifting at the gym as I am a certified strength and conditioning specialist. And I should mention my background isn't actually in diving or flipping at all! My childhood was spent dancing, mostly ballet, and I love revisiting it.

Follow Kimberley's high diving quest @kimberleysbenson. Good luck Kimberley!