SET THE STANDARD #17: XANTHEIA PENNISI

Xantheia Pennisi is not your typical cliff diver. A professional athlete who began her journey as a gymnast, she has pushed the boundaries of fear and gravity to become one of the top competitors in the world of cliff diving. Having competed in 18 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series events, she’s no stranger to the adrenaline rush of jumping from cliffs. Her journey has seen her achieve four podium finishes, and after featuring as a wildcard in the 2021 season (where she placed 3rd), Xantheia secured her first permanent World Series ticket in 2022.

But Xantheia’s story is more than just about competition; it’s about overcoming fear and taking chances. Despite her natural fear of heights, Xantheia continues to excel in one of the most extreme sports in the world of cliff jumping.

Xantheia’s love for high diving began in her teens when she transitioned from gymnastics to springboard and platform diving. But it wasn’t until she saw cliff diving on the Red Bull Cliff Diving TV series that her passion was sparked. After discovering that people could pursue cliff diving professionally, traveling the world to compete, Xantheia found her calling. Just three months after learning her first high dive, Xantheia competed in her first Red Bull competition, surprising even herself with what she could achieve. That moment was a turning point, solidifying her belief that she could succeed at the highest level.

“Every time I do it, I still get fear, but I just have to trust my body. Don’t think about anything else, and then I just go.” - Xantheia Pennisi

Cliff jumping is both thrilling and tough. The highest jump Xantheia has ever done was from 22.5 meters—about the same height as a seven-story building! Jumping from this height takes a lot of mental focus and physical strength to handle the impact of hitting the water at speeds of up to 70km/h. To ensure she’s strong enough to handle these challenges, Xantheia incorporates pilates, tumbling, and weight training into her routine, building the strength and flexibility she needs to safely execute her dives. Understanding the importance of performance-driven gear that offers both comfort and style, Xantheia loves training in our women's bras, leggings, and tanks for maximum support and unrestrictive movement.

Like many athletes, Xantheia encounters mental barriers, especially on tough days. “Sometimes your brain is just so negative when you’re having those down days,” she shares, but it’s her determination that keeps her going. Her perseverance is not just about diving—it’s about pushing past the limits of what the mind believes is possible.

Xantheia’s journey is also shaped by a desire to inspire the next generation of young women. “When I was younger, I didn’t really have too many role models that I saw that were these really confident, successful women,” she reflects. Today, she’s driven by the hope of becoming that role model for others, showing young girls that they, too, can break barriers and pursue their passions.

Whether she’s cliff jumping or navigating the challenges life throws at her, Xantheia embodies what it means to set the standard. Her story is a reminder that fear can be overcome, and passion, when pursued, can lead to incredible heights.

Felt inspired and want to see more? Check out EP.16 with Tom Noske

We have recently launched our new platform LSKD.TV which hosts an assortment of some of our favourite short videos including those featuring the amazing individuals in our LSKD Athlete Team.