Molly Carlson’s recent decision to forgo a daring 20-metre dive has captured the attention of the online community, racking up over three million views on social media. The Canadian cliff diver and content creator was set to perform at a Red Bull Cliff Diving event in Bali but opted against it due to safety concerns relating to both the conditions and her own skill level.
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Upon her arrival in Bali, Carlson anticipated competing from a standard diving platform. However, she was met with a rather unconventional takeoff point: a precarious tree branch, suspended 20 metres above the water. Initially, the prospect of diving from such an unstable surface filled her with apprehension. “My first reaction was, ‘Hell no. That sounds insane,’” she recounted in an exclusive interview. Yet, as she learned more about the planned dive, her feelings began to shift.
“I was thinking, ‘What if the branch snaps underneath me?’” Carlson admitted, yet excitement began to outweigh her fears. The adrenaline of the challenge was palpable, and she found herself keen to take the leap.
However, fate had other plans. Heavy rain poured down, altering the landing conditions significantly. The once safe water depth dwindled to a mere 3.5 to 4 metres, falling below the standard of at least 5.5 metres typically employed in these high-stakes competitions. Rather than putting the event on hold, organisers opted to give the divers a choice: those accustomed to jumping in shallower waters could proceed, while others hesitant about the conditions were encouraged to refrain from diving.
For Carlson, the choice was clear. “I knew it was safer not to jump,” she said, explaining that her training usually takes place in deeper waters around 4.5 metres in Montreal. “I don’t have the skill set to land safely in water that shallow.”
Though she ascended the tree and made her way to the branch for a closer look, she quickly recognised the challenges the unique setup posed. Unlike the sturdy platforms she was used to, the tree branch was rounded, slippery, and provided little room to establish a secure take-off position. “There was no grip,” Carlson noted. “It wasn’t flat; it was rounded. There was just no way to feel comfortable and get a nice, solid takeoff position.”
Organisers had put numerous safety measures in place to mitigate risks. They conducted weight tests on the branch, measured the water depth, and stationed five scuba divers at the dive area for emergencies. However, standing on the branch brought back unsettling memories of a slip she had experienced the previous year from a 72-foot platform, which left her grappling with anxiety related to unstable surfaces.
“As soon as I stood on that slippery branch, I knew it wasn’t for me because of the PTSD I had from slipping,” she recalled. “The more I could be in control of not slipping, the better. I knew it just wasn’t my day.” Ultimately, she made the wise decision to climb back down and watch her fellow competitors, many of whom had experience diving into shallow waters.
Carlson’s decision to step back was not due to a lack of bravery but rather a respectful acknowledgment of her limitations. “I think sometimes it’s okay to say no,” she stated. “In that moment, I just didn’t have the skill set to land in shallow water. I knew it was braver to say no because you have to respect your skill set.”
Unbeknownst to her, this decision resonated deeply with viewers online. The video she posted detailing her choice rapidly gained traction, with countless users commending her for prioritising safety and personal wellbeing over the urge to perform under pressure. Comments such as, “Knowing when to say NO is a beautiful thing,” and, “I’m glad you know your boundaries and respectfully declined. You’re awesome!” flooded in.
Reflecting on the unexpected response, Carlson mused on how her viral moment might have looked had she chosen to dive instead. “I can’t imagine how many views I would’ve had if I actually jumped,” she said. “But what was really cool was seeing people understand why I said no.”
Carlson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognising one’s limitations and making decisions rooted in self-awareness, particularly in high-risk environments. In a sport often characterised by boldness and bravado, her choice to walk away has set a powerful example for athletes and enthusiasts alike.