The real drive behind the dive

Fearless: Matt Cooper dives during a practice session at the World Championships at seaside Momochi Beach Park in Fukuoka, Japan, on July 22. — AP

Matt Cooper has no illusions about the hazards of diving from a 27m platform – about 90 feet, or as high as a nine-storey building – into the sea, a lake, or a diving tank.

“Even if it’s a good dive, the impact you have from 27 metres is like a car crash going 85kph (50mph),” said Cooper, who competed in the high-diving competition last week at the World Aquatics Championships in southwestern Japan.