The FINA Diving World Cup is one of three major international diving competitions (the others being the FINA World Aquatic Championships and the Olympic Games) held during the four year period that encompasses the time between the Olympic Games, known as a quadrennium.
Since the inaugural event in 1979 the World Cup has been held at various times during the the four year period. Since 2000 it has settled into a set routine that has the World Cup taking place in even numbered years, twice every four years – at the midpoint between the Olympics and in the Olympic year.
The competition that takes place at the midpoint of the quadrennium, acts as a pseudo "world championships." While not a world championship in name, it is the most important diving event during that year - not as prestigious as the Olympics, but equal in stature to the world championships.
The edition that is held in the Olympic year has evolved to act as both a test event and qualifying event for the upcoming Games. Obviously overshadowed by the Olympic diving competition, it commands media attention for not only showcasing the Olympic pool, but also those competitors that may return within a few months.
The World Cup also currently functions as the final qualifying event for diving federations to earn the right to compete at the Olympics, combining with the previous year’s world championships and other international events such as the Pan Am Games and Asian Games.
The first World Cup began with only four events – men’s and women’s springboard and platform, but currently includes synchronized diving events on springboard and platform. The 2012 competition, the 18th overall, will take place in London from February 20-26.
FINA Diving World Cup by Year and Site
- 1979 - The Woodlands, United States
- 1981 - Mexico City, Mexico
- 1983 - The Woodlands. United States
- 1985 – Shanghai, China
- 1987 – Amersfoort, The Netherlands
- 1989 – Indianapolis, United States
- 1991 – Winnipeg, Canada
- 1993 – Beijing, China
- 1995 – Atlanta, United States
- 1997 - Mexico City, Mexico
- 1999 – Wellington, New Zealand
- 2000 – Sydney, Australia
- 2002 – Seville, Spain
- 2004 – Athens, Greece
- 2006 – Changshu, China
- 2008 – Beijing, China
- 2010 – Changzhou, China
- 2012 – London, England
FINA Diving World Cup Results