Ikari - Bridge Jumping

Ikari - Bridge Jumping

Snippet by © Paul Dodson 2012

Before the Balkans War lay to ruin the mighty Stari Most that magnificently spanned the Neretvan River, the Bosnia and Herzegovina town of Mostar played host to Ikari - the world's oldest diving competition.

Competition in the Ikari had taken place for 438 consecutive years prior to the war. 2004 saw the beginning of a new chapter in this age-old tradition - a new chapter with a new bridge.

Bridge diving in Mostar is an age-old tradition; the men who participate are revered as local heroes, while the winner of the Ikari adopts legendary status.

The jump itself is 21 metres - over twice the height of the high board in diving competitions. Up to seventy participants from Mostar, other regions of Bosnia and neighbouring countries that once made up Yugoslavia are cheered on by up to 30,000 spectators who take up every conceivable vantage. This year also saw a number of professional cliff diving champions take to the bridge out of competition.

In a town that is slowly finding its feet after the devastating effects of war, the Ikari helps lift the spirits of the locals for that one day in July at least.

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