(Auckland) New Zealand is organizing its first “bomb” world championship, jumps into the water intended to make as many splashes as possible: a very popular discipline called “Manu” in this Pacific country.
Manu is a method of diving believed to have originated in New Zealand around 30 years ago and is practiced fervently in swimming pools, rivers and seaside venues across the country.
Around 5,000 Manu will be judged for a series of qualifying events, before a final in March, said Sunday Scott Rice, organizer of the event which calls itself a “world championship”.
The winner will receive a prize of 30,000 New Zealand dollars (25,00 Canadian dollars).
Unlike Olympic diving, where athletes look for the smallest splash possible, Manu judges’ criteria are the volume and height of the splash, as well as a “pure” sound at impact, according to Scott Rice.
Former All Blacks player Sean Fitzpatrick was among the competitors jumping from three and five meter platforms during a “world championship” qualifier on Sunday.
The 1987 Rugby World Cup winner has said he is aiming for a second world title at the age of 60. “Do I want to be world champion Manu? Well, that’s why I’m here,” he told AFP. “I’m getting a little old and facing kids, but we’ll see.”
The man who captained the All Blacks in 51 of his 92 matches says he followed the advice of his rivals. “To do the Manu, you have to bend your legs carefully and as soon as your back is in the water, immediately try to straighten your body to get the right sound.”pop”. I was told that was the way to do it.”
Five techniques, each with a name of Maori origin, are authorized: Te Manu (the V-bomb), Te Tepara (the staple), Te Korira (the gorilla), Te Poro Repo (the cannonball) and Te Kawhena (the coffin), according to the former rugby player.