How Freediver Set World Record by Holding His Breath for Almost 30 Minutes: ‘One of the Worst Experiences in My Life’ (Exclusive)

Freediver Breaks World Record by Holding His Breath for Nearly 30 Minutes

In a remarkable feat, Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić has set a new world record by holding his breath underwater for an astonishing 29 minutes and 3 seconds. This achievement not only surpassed the previous record by almost five minutes but also left Maričić with unexpected health challenges, including intestinal bleeding and a severe headache that persisted for two days.

Maričić, a versatile athlete with a background in rock climbing, mountaineering, skydiving, and underwater walking, described the experience as one of the most challenging ordeals of his life. Despite the physical and mental strain endured during the breath-hold attempt, he managed to accomplish this incredible feat in a pool at the Bristol Hotel in Opatija, Croatia, in front of a crowd of over a hundred spectators and a medical team of 15 specialists.

The 40-year-old athlete reflected on the static breath-holding discipline, emphasizing the solitary and excruciating nature of the feat. Unlike other sports where one embarks on a journey, static breath-holding requires individuals to endure intense suffering silently, with no external assistance. Maričić highlighted the mental and physical anguish caused by the body’s natural urge to breathe, which results in chest and diaphragm contractions, making the challenge even more daunting.

To prepare for this record-breaking attempt, Maričić participated in an underwater breath-holding competition earlier in the year without the use of pure oxygen beforehand. By setting a Croatian national record of 10 minutes and 8 seconds in that event, he gained confidence in his ability to push the boundaries further with the assistance of oxygen. Moreover, Maričić used the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Sea Shepherd conservation group, focusing on marine conservation issues.

The use of pure oxygen before a breath-hold competition significantly increases the oxygen levels in the bloodstream, delaying the body’s reflex to breathe and extending the duration one can hold their breath. Maričić explained that it is the accumulation of carbon dioxide, not the lack of oxygen, that triggers the body to signal the need for breathing, leading to discomfort and physical strain during prolonged breath-holding attempts.

Despite facing intense physical and mental challenges as he approached the 30-minute mark, Maričić adopted a strategy of breaking down time into smaller segments to sustain his endurance. By pushing himself to endure just a few more seconds or contractions at a time, he gradually progressed towards the record while relying on his coach’s updates on the elapsed time due to fogged-up goggles. The athlete’s determination and resilience propelled him past the previous world record, marking a historic achievement in the realm of freediving.

Upon completing the breath-hold and emerging from the water, Maričić experienced a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion, coupled with a severe headache that lingered for days. Reflecting on his extraordinary accomplishment, he expressed a sense of mental relief and acknowledged the increasing physical strain as he neared the 30-minute milestone. While Maričić has no plans to repeat such a challenging endeavour, he remains confident in his ability to surpass the 30-minute mark in the future, while also acknowledging the potential for others to break his records.

In the world of freediving, where athletes continually push the limits of human capability, Maričić’s exceptional achievement serves as a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to redefine boundaries and inspire future generations of athletes. As he looks ahead to potential new challenges and undiscovered frontiers in the sport, Maričić’s record-breaking performance stands as a remarkable milestone in the annals of freediving history, showcasing the indomitable spirit of human endeavour and the relentless pursuit of excellence.