By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
In our occasional series on unusual sports, we feature the annual bridge divers’ competition, which took place in Kosovo on 24 July 2023.
This competition has been held during the past 73 years and this year’s winner, Evald Krnic, plunged more than 20 metres from a bridge in Southern Kosovo, near the town of Cjakova, into the cold White Drin river.
The competition attracts both professionals and amateurs.
Krnic remarked:
“You don’t just jump, you fly.”
And added:
“If you’re not afraid, you can’t jump, as there’s no adrenaline rush, and you might end up making mistakes that could lead to injuries. The beauty of this sport lies in conquering that fear and taking the leap.”
Krnic also won last year in the Bosnian town of Mostar when he dived off the famous old bridge into the river 22 metres below.
Another past winner, Florid Gashi, commented:
“The fear makes the sport so thrilling.”
As the old saying goes: “it takes all sorts to make a world!”
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘