TRIPLE World Cliff Diving Champion Gary Hunt returned to Southampton to meet the next generation of potential diving stars.

Hunt, who lives abroad now and who travels the globe competing in World Cliff Diving events, was at The Quays to help coach the Active Nation Diving Programme squad.

Hunt met members of the South East Region Amateur Swimming Association’s Talent Scheme on one of their monthly training camps in Southampton. “It is a great motivation for the younger divers to have the opportunity to hear from such a successful figure in the world of diving,” enthused senior coach Jack Clewlow.

Hunt is a life member of the Southampton Diving Academy, where he spent much of his formative years. He won a bronze medal in the 10m platform synchronised event at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 with partner Callum Johnson.

The first diver ever to become world champion in the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series for three years in a row, Hunt lost out to Artem Silchenko in 2013 after a nail-biting final round.

Now he is determined to win the title back and is dedicating himself to his training to maximise his chances. “The world of cliff diving has really upped its game in the last couple of years,” he explained. “There are now several realistic contenders for the title and I need to ensure that I am in the best possible shape from day one of the new season to keep them at bay!”

Hunt’s new cliff diving season begins in May.