Remembering Cristian Castano

01/09/2025

At Alchemy, our story has always been shaped not only by the fins we craft but by the people who trust them in their journeys. Over the years, we have been fortunate to support athletes from every corner of the world, freedivers and spearfishers who dedicate their lives to the ocean. They live in different time zones, speak different languages, and pursue different personal dreams, yet somehow, they are all part of the same family.

What makes these relationships unique is that many of them are built without ever meeting in person. Sometimes, the closest we get is a call over a shaky internet connection, an exchange of messages, or a tag on social media. And yet, through countless conversations about training, gear, competitions, and life underwater, we have developed bonds that are as real and lasting as those forged face to face. It is a reminder that shared passion can bridge any distance.

These athletes are more than just representatives of our brand. They are role models in their communities, teachers for the next generation of divers, and living proof of what commitment to the ocean can achieve. Their stories inspire us daily to push our own limits, refine our craft, and never forget why we started in the first place.

A few days ago, we lost one of those bonds. Our athlete, Cristian Castano from Colombia, passed away. Cristian was more than a skilled freediver. He was a remarkable human being, kind, humble, and driven, someone who carried himself in a way that inspired respect both in and out of the water.

His achievements as a diver spoke volumes, but it was his presence as a person that left the deepest mark. Cristian reminded us that freediving is not just about numbers or records, but about how you live, how you share, and how you connect with others. For many, he was a role model. For us, he was family.

His passing has hit us hard. We are grieving alongside his friends, his community, and the freediving world. While words feel small in moments like this, what remains large is the gratitude we feel for having had him as part of our journey. The bond we built with Cristian, like the ones we share with all our athletes, is something we will carry forward, honoring his memory every time we step into the water or put our fins into the hands of someone who dreams big.

Cristian will always be part of the Alchemy family.