By CLAIRE COHEN

Last updated at 08:51 21 February 2008

With an exhilarated grin and his arms spread wide like wings, Joe Egan seems momentarily suspended in mid-air.

In fact, he has just launched himself backwards off an 80ft diving board, to the amazement of the crowd at Martin County Fair in east Florida.

His target is the shimmering blue pool below, and by the time he hits the water the diver will be travelling at a breathtaking 60mph or faster.

Daredevil feats like this one take years to perfect.

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Brave: Joe Egan launches himself from 80ft into an 18ft deep pool

In the two seconds that he flies through the air, the diver will perform a series of twists and turns, but the trick is to land feet first and with your body completely tense and straight.

Hitting the water head first can result in severe concussion or even a fractured skull.

Tony Ally, three-time Olympic and Commonwealth champion and fitness coach for the Great British diving squad, says: "It's an incredible force - almost like landing on concrete."

The athletes must be in perfect physical condition to cope with the impact.

They regularly experience spasms and cramps due to the extreme G-force exerted on their bodies, and the amount of adrenaline pumping through their veins.

Such is the gruelling nature of the sport, divers are only able to jump 15 times a day and must undergo intense tissue and muscular massage after every session.

High diving platforms are typically no taller than 80ft - the highest it is safe to dive without causing injury.

The world record stands, however, at an unfathomable 200ft - although the diver broke his spine in the process.

Tony Ally says: "Walking up that ladder is incredible. The pool below looks tiny - like you are about to dive into a bucket."

But it is not as dangerous as it appears - in reality the pool has a diameter of 70ft and is at least 18ft deep.

Provided the diver keeps his concentration, the chance of an accident is small.