The World Freediving Championships in Villefranche-sur-Mer near Nice, France, have shattered numerous records. These elite athletes push human limits, holding their breath for minutes and plunging to astonishing depths. Here's a breakdown of the top performances in key disciplines.
Performed in a pool, static apnea requires divers to float face-down on the surface without moving, under strict safety supervision. The goal: hold your breath as long as possible. French legend Stéphane Mifsud owns the men's world record at 11 minutes 35 seconds. He describes entering a dream-like state, escaping reality while staying grounded.
M: Stéphane Mifsud: 11 minutes 35 seconds
F: Natalia Molchanova: 8 minutes 23 seconds
Divers swim the greatest horizontal distance underwater using a monofin, supervised by safety teams. Motion demands exceptional efficiency and endurance.
M: Goran Colak: 273 yards
F: Natalia Molchanova: 225 yards
Divers descend and ascend the deepest possible depth along a rope using only arm strength—no fins.
M: William Trubridge: 121 meters
F: Natalia Molchanova: 88 meters
Ascend and descend to maximum depth using only leg and arm power, with or without fins—no rope or breathing aids.
M: Alexey Molchanov: 125 meters (fins)
F: Natalia Molchanova: 101 meters
Morgan Bourc'his became France's first world record holder with 87 meters no-fins in Greece. At the Nice Championships, Aurore Asso set a new French record at 77 meters, while Guillaume Néry hit 114 meters.
A weighted sled (10-30 kg 'pig') aids descent along a rope; ascent is by finning or pulling up.
M: Herbert Nitsch: 142 meters
F: Natalia Molchanova: 127 meters
The most extreme discipline: descend and ascend with a sled to record depths. Mechanical failures pose grave risks with no aid possible.
M: Herbert Nitsch: 214 meters
F: Tanya Streeter: 160 yards
