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Norwegian Death Diving Championships Is Terrifying But Fascinating

Norwegian Death Diving Championships Is Terrifying But Fascinating

'Dødsing', as it's known in its native Norway, is a serious pursuit for competitors

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Whether it's a football match passing by without a single goal or a long-awaited tennis clash being called off due to some drizzle, even the most exciting sports can have their disappointingly dull moments. But it turns out there's something else out there that - while a bit more niche - will surely never leave you feeling bored... as you plunge belly first into the endlessly entertaining world of 'death diving'.

The sport involves fearless competitors hurling themselves from a 10-metre high diving board, before striking a range of poses in mid-air and crashing into the water - often belly or head first. But while it makes for hilarious viewing, the sport is no laughing matter for those involved.

'Dødsing', as it's known in its native Norway, is a serious pursuit for competitors, who battle it out on an annual basis at the World Championships in Oslo.

Emil Lybekk taking part in the 2020 competition.
International Døds Federation

Unsurprisingly, in the age of the Internet, videos from the championships have attracted millions of views and catapulted the sport into a global spotlight. What is less obvious is how exactly this sport came to exist in the first place.

According to Visit Norway, death diving was first pioneered at Frognerbadet public swimming facility in Majorstua, Oslo, where there is a 10m-high diving board which dates back to the 1950s. The sport apparently started to take off 30 years later before fading away, only to find its popularity resurrected in the 21st century.

International Døds Federation

The World Championships are run by the International Døds Federation and take place each year, with 2020's winner being the fearless Emil Lybekk - who also won back in 2018, and is often seen launching himself into water from great heights on social media.

Of course, you need to have some serious cajones to take part in death diving, as former champ Truls Torp has testified.

Speaking previously to Visit Norway, he said: "What motivates me is the whole scene and how we get along in our death diving districts.

Truls Torp competing last year.
International Døds Federation

"We travel around Norway and do death diving at festivals and events, and you feel like you
belong to a big group of mates. You're one of the guys, so to speak."

So if you've never quite been able to execute a proper dive and have always pined for a bunch of fun-loving Norwegian mates, then get yourself practising for the 2021 championships - although make sure you heed Torp's advice before you do.

He urges beginners to take it slow because 'the worst thing is when the water surface hits you right in the scrotum'.

Additional words: Jake Massey

Featured Image Credit: Viral Hog