Twillingate, Newfoundland – In a daring Red Bull‑sponsored event, high‑diver Molly Carlson became the first woman to execute a backward dive from a free‑standing iceberg. The massive, moving chunk of ice rose roughly 50 feet above the water, and Carlson’s successful plunge marked her highest backwards dive to date.
Training and preparation
Before the jump, Carlson had to master ice climbing, a skill she learned alongside veteran ice‑climber and Red Bull athlete Will Gad. The climb was essential; without a secure ascent, the subsequent dive would have been impossible.
She also consulted Orlando Duque, the first athlete to dive off an iceberg in Antarctica in 2018. Carlson recalled messaging Duque in 2023, asking whether she should bring the concept to Canada. Duque’s encouragement – “if there’s one project that changed my life, it was diving off an iceberg” – helped solidify her resolve.
The dive
On the day of the event, Carlson described the experience as “definitely the scariest thing I’ve ever done.” She warned that icebergs are “incredibly dangerous” because they can split, collapse, or roll without warning. Despite the risk, she completed the backward dive, landing safely in the frigid water below.
Mental‑health perspective
Beyond the physical challenge, Carlson has been open about her struggles with mental health and eating disorders. In a 2023 interview with CNN, she referred to the lowest point in her career as a “mental injury.” She emphasized that true bravery is not the absence of fear but the decision not to let fear dictate one’s capabilities.
Red Bull’s role
The dive was captured on film for a short documentary produced by Red Bull, showcasing both the athletic feat and the preparation required. Red Bull’s continued support of extreme‑sports athletes like Carlson underscores the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of human performance.
Carson’s achievement adds a historic milestone to the world of extreme sports and serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, preparation, and the pursuit of personal growth.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
