Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Share this on
Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
The 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship kicked off with a splash in Limassol, Cyprus, on September 21, 2023. This prestigious event spans ten exhilarating days, during which elite freedivers from around the globe showcase their remarkable skills in four distinct freediving disciplines. Here, we delve into the captivating events of the first four days.
The tournament commenced with the Women's Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) competition. The serene waters of Limassol offered ideal conditions, with a calm sea and no prevailing currents. A total of 31 female freedivers took the plunge.
The highlight of the day was the setting of five national records:
The final standings for the day witnessed Sanda Delija (HVR) securing the top spot with a dive of 71m, followed by Tatiana Zemskikh (INT) at 58m and Jennifer Wendland (DEU) at 56m.
Day two of the championship, held on September 22, saw 38 male athletes competing in the Men's Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) discipline. Similar to the previous day, the conditions remained nearly perfect with calm waters and no discernible currents.
The second day produced three AIDA National Records:
The official rankings for the day featured Petar Klovar (CRO) at the top with a dive of 95m, followed by Vitomir Maričić (CRO) at 84m and Gennady Roshchin (INT) at 67m.
On September 23, the third day of the competition unfolded with the Women's Constant Weight Bifins (CWTB). This relatively new discipline, introduced by AIDA in 2019, witnessed 37 talented women vying for supremacy.
The day was marked by an astounding nine AIDA National Records and one AIDA Continental Record:
The rankings for the day showcased Marianna Gillespie (FRA) at the pinnacle with a staggering dive of 95m, followed closely by Jung A Kim (KOR) at 94m and Enchante Gallardo (USA) at 90m.
The fourth day of the 31st AIDA Freediving World Championships, held on September 24, featured the Men's Constant Weight Bifins (CWTB) event. A total of 41 male competitors took to the water, greeted by favorable conditions with only a slight current towards the end of the session.
This day witnessed an exceptional performance by Alexey Molchanov (INT) who, uncontested, set a new AIDA World Record in CWTB with a remarkable dive of 123m, pending the doping test.
Other notable achievements included the establishment of seven new AIDA National Records:
The rankings for the day prominently featured Alexey Molchanov (INT) as the frontrunner with his historic 123m dive, followed by Abdelatif Alouach (FRA) at 116m and Andrey Matveenko (INT) at 111m.
As the championship progresses, each day brings new records and extraordinary feats, promising more thrilling action in the world of freediving. Stay tuned for updates on the remaining days of this exhilarating competition in Limassol, Cyprus.