When a world champion diver defies a “no women” warning on an extreme water slide, it’s sure to turn heads—and for good reason.
Rhiannan Iffland, a seven-time consecutive Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion from Australia, recently took on a daring new challenge at Area 47—an adventure park in Austria renowned for its extreme, heart-pounding attractions.
One of the thrilling attractions at Area 47 is a waterslide touted as the fastest in Europe, with speeds reaching up to 50 mph.
The twist? There’s a strict rule prohibiting women from using it, citing the “high risk of injury.”
Unfazed and daring as ever, Iffland—a seasoned diver with nerves of steel—decided to cast aside caution and take the plunge.
In a video shared on social media, Iffland approaches the slide with a smirk, acknowledging the “no women” rule as she quips, “Women aren’t supposed to do this.”
Without hesitation, she plunges down the slide, boldly defying the warning that had deterred other women before her.
But why is there a “no women” restriction to begin with? It’s due to specific health risks that women may face when using this particular slide.
When women use slides like this one, there’s a considerable risk of high-pressure water entering the body, potentially causing a medical condition known as an enema.
For those unfamiliar, an enema involves fluid being injected into the rectum to clear the lower part of the large bowel. If done incorrectly, it can be both painful and dangerous.
In addition to that, the risk of infection from foreign bodies in the water presents another serious concern.
So, what makes Iffland, an athlete renowned for tackling gravity-defying stunts, choose to ignore the warning?
It’s likely the same fearless mindset that has made her a world champion in cliff diving. With years of training in extreme sports, she was undeterred by the rule.
The video of her bold ride quickly went viral, sparking a variety of reactions from fans and fellow thrill-seekers.
Several women who watched the video shared their own terrifying experiences, cautioning others about the slide’s potential dangers.
One commenter wrote, “I got the worst enema on that slide, bahaha you’re a brave girl!”
Another commented, “The number of people who don’t understand why women aren’t supposed to go on this slide is terrifying!”
One more woman shared her painful experience: “Unfortunately, I got a water slide enema. I ended up peeing half the swimming pool out in the toilet. I literally couldn’t stand up afterward. It was the weirdest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
Despite the warnings and the unusual, often painful consequences for women, Iffland remained undeterred by the potential health risks.
However, she took the opportunity to address the controversy surrounding her decision, clarifying her intentions.
In an interview with news.com.au, Iffland clarified, “It was never my intent to mock the safety regulations of this water slide.”
She continued, “A person’s safety is paramount, and I am always weighing any potential danger in my job. To suggest otherwise is wrong.”
Iffland’s words may offer reassurance, but her choice to disregard a rule designed to protect women’s health has ignited a broader conversation.
For one, it raises the question of why such a warning exists in the first place and whether it is being taken seriously enough.
Some critics argue that the ban is rooted in outdated, potentially sexist assumptions about women’s bodies.
Others argue that the warning is based on legitimate safety concerns, one that Iffland, despite her immense skill, may have ignored at her own risk.
So, what exactly makes the slide so dangerous for women? The extreme speed at which it operates generates a powerful water force that can harm sensitive areas of the body, especially in women.
While the slide is undeniably thrilling for those who meet the requirements, the ban serves as a stark reminder of just how extreme these rides can be, particularly for the female body.
And yet, there’s something undeniably thrilling about Iffland’s defiance—a bold statement that, as a top-tier athlete, she wasn’t going to be held back by a controversial rule.
It also reflects her unique persona as a champion diver, someone accustomed to pushing boundaries, defying gravity, and confronting intense risks head-on.
Still, it’s important to note that Iffland’s fearless attitude may not be shared by all of her followers, many of whom have expressed concerns after witnessing her stunt.
For many women, the fear of injury—and the genuine risk of experiencing an enema—can be enough to deter them from ever attempting the slide.
Iffland’s ride may have been a bold act of defiance, but it also brings to light important questions about the safety standards enforced for women in extreme sports.
As for what lies ahead, will other women follow in Iffland’s footsteps, tackling the slide with the same courage, or will they heed the warnings and avoid it? Only time will reveal the answer.
