The final competition day of the 67th International Divers Day Rostock began with an exciting preliminary round for the men’s 10-meter platform. A total of 17 athletes took on the challenge, but only 12 could qualify for the subsequent semifinals. Additionally, only two athletes per nation were allowed to advance. Germany started with four athletes, while the neutral athletes competed with three divers. For them, it was not only a matter of finishing among the top twelve but also of being one of the two best from their respective nation.
The participants already showcased top-tier dives in the preliminary round, battling fiercely for the coveted semifinal spots. The jury assessed technical precision, degree of difficulty, and execution, while the athletes pushed themselves to their limits to secure a place in the top 12. The tension was palpable, as even a small mistake could mean elimination – such as a second attempt at a handstand dive, which resulted in a two-point deduction per score.
After this thrilling preliminary round, the top twelve divers competed in two semifinal groups. Ole Rösler (GER) had initially secured fifth place in the preliminaries but decided to withdraw due to health reasons. Nevertheless, his strong performance earned him valuable qualification points. As a result, Espen Prenzyna moved up and took over Germany’s starting position.
In the semifinals, it was not only about reaching the final but also about securing the best possible position for it. Only the top three divers from each semifinal advanced, keeping their podium hopes alive. To get one step closer to the gold medal, the athletes once again raised their performance levels, delivering spectacular dives to the audience. Every single dive had the potential to completely shake up the rankings.
The outstanding preliminary round and the thrilling semifinals set the stage for an exceptional final in the afternoon – excitement guaranteed!