Back in July 2009, I had my first photoshoot with Colombian cliff-diving legend Orlando Duque at Vezirov Bridge in Podgorica, Montenegro. Little did we know where that collaboration would take us in the years ahead. Exactly 17 years later, we returned to the place where it all began, a location that holds countless memories for both of us. The occasion was the traditional diving competition at Vezirov Bridge, but for Duque and me, the return carried a much deeper meaning.
Those 17 years have been filled with photoshoots and projects around the world. Throughout that time, Orlando continued to deliver extraordinary performances, further confirming his status as one of the greatest names in high diving. My role was to follow that journey through photography and capture the power, precision, and emotion behind his achievements.
We meet almost every year in Mostar at the renowned Red Bull Cliff Diving event. This year, ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Mostar competition, we had the opportunity to reunite a little earlier in Podgorica. It is always special to return to the place where an important story began, especially when that place is Montenegro.
A pioneer of modern cliff diving and one of the sport’s most influential figures, Duque first built a strong connection with Podgorica through his appearances at Vezirov Bridge. His performances helped draw wider attention to the competition and gave the event a place on the international diving map. Nearly two decades later, thousands of spectators once again gathered along the banks of the Morača River to watch him perform.
Rising 23 metres above the water, Vezirov Bridge now serves as the highest competition platform in the region and one of the most recognisable diving locations in the Balkans. Its height, setting, and history create a dramatic stage for the athletes, while the steep riverbanks allow the crowd to experience every moment from close range.
For younger spectators, this was a rare opportunity to see one of the greatest cliff divers of all time perform live. For older generations in Podgorica, Orlando’s return brought back memories of the years when his appearances became a familiar and highly anticipated part of summer on the Morača. His dive was therefore much more than an exhibition. It represented the revival of a tradition that has connected Podgorica with its river for decades.
This year’s event brought together some of the region’s leading divers, international judges, and numerous fans of this sport. The size of the crowd and the atmosphere surrounding the competition confirmed that diving from Vezirov Bridge has once again established itself as one of the city’s most memorable summer events.