A Canadian woman jumped off an iceberg in Newfoundland and made history

Canadian diver Molly Carlson plunged into the North Atlantic Ocean as part of an extreme stunt with Red Bull.  Photo by Handout/Red Bull 

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Molly Carlson admits she had concerns of her own as she leapt off a massive iceberg in Newfoundland and plunged 50-foot in the North Atlantic Ocean.

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The 28-year-old from Montreal told National Post on Tuesday that she was more worried about the unpredictability of the iceberg itself, than the temperature of the water.

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“After I jumped off, it started breaking on the backside. So the timing was insane. If we were on there for five more minutes, who knows what this story could have been like,” she told Global News on Monday.

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Among other risks, the iceberg could have flipped, and its stability could not be guaranteed, according to an iceberg specialist who accompanied the crew at the time of the dive.

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Carlson made history being the first known woman to pull off this kind of dive. Videos of the dive, which Carlson completed in June off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, were posted online on Oct. 22 by Red Bull and Red Bull Canada. The energy drink company has become known for teaming up with athletes who perform extreme stunts around the world.

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Canadian diver Molly Carlson climbs an iceberg before diving off it into the North Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Handout/Red Bull

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Despite some of the concerns shared online, mostly about nearly freezing water temperatures and the safety risks involved, many have shown support for the diver and called her inspiring.

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Carlson was accompanied by Canadian ice climber, Will Gadd, who helped her with the journey to the edge of the free-standing iceberg. When recounting the route to the top, Carlson stated that Gadd was a tremendous help.

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“Having him climb the berg with me, truly helped me stay as calm as I could before the dive,” Carlson told National Post.

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Despite her worries, Carlson said her team flagged any issues well in advance.

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“My team went above and beyond with extra safety checks, had emergency crews on site, and brought in an iceberg specialist.”

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The support, Carlson said, is what made the experience that much more incredible.

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She said she has received immense support, especially from women, who have told her that the accomplishment has inspired them to “try something new, blaze their own trail, and create their own story.”

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Becoming the first known woman to complete the dive means more than she can explain, Carlson said. “It makes me proud of my journey and of how I’ve shown up for little Molly,” she said, adding that the moment represents the many chapters of her life and career.

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Carlson expressed gratitude for not only her female supporters but also the high-diving community. She said they stand by one another no matter what.

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After completing the dive, Carlson said she kept returning to one analogy: “Just like icebergs, there’s so much more to us than what’s visible above the surface.”

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She dedicated this project to “everyone who has ever been scared to show what’s underneath,” adding that hearing how many people resonate with that message has been incredible.

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