Jean-Michel Blond

Born on January 28, 1962, in Paris, France, Jean-Michel Blond’s journey into freediving began later in life but quickly became his passion. With a 40-year career as a physiotherapist and osteopath, his deep understanding of the human body fueled his underwater pursuits. Jean-Michel’s early connection to water was limited to summer vacations in Spain, where he taught himself to swim and explored the sea with a mask and snorkel. His youth was focused on competitive sports like football, tennis, skiing, and volleyball, which he played for 20 years.

In 1997, he discovered scuba diving, leading to trips across Egypt, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Mexico, and Cambodia. Earning his certifications, he became a scuba instructor, teaching in pools and at sea. A turning point came in 2005 with a freediving course led by Umberto Pelizzari in Paris. This encounter ignited a passion for freediving. He joined Apnée Attitude in Massy, became a CMAS instructor trainer, and competed in French Cup rounds, securing several podium finishes.

Relocating to Nice in 2012, Jean-Michel embraced deep freediving in Villefranche harbor. He became an AIDA and CMAS ** instructor, training new instructors and sharing equalization techniques as a SHARE instructor under Federico Mana. Jean-Michel continues to compete internationally in Master categories, combining his love for freediving with teaching and inspiring others while dedicated to freediving, continually pushing his limits and sharing his knowledge with future generations.

Achievements:

• 2017: 5th in CNF at French Championship
• 2018: Vice Champion of France in CWTB
• 2021: Bronze in CNF at French Championship
• 2023: Vice Champion of France Master in CNF; Bronze in FIM
• 2024: 6th in FIM (62m) at Nice Abyss Contest; 8th in FIM (62m) at French Championship (1st in Master); CMAS World Championship in Kalamata: Master World Champion in CNF, Bronze in FIM, CWT, CWTB

Qualifications:

• AIDA Instructor
• CMAS Scuba Instructor **
• CMAS Apnea Instructor II
• BE Underwater Activity (BEES1)
• SHARE Instructor (Federico Mana)