Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
The 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship, held in Limassol, witnessed an exhilarating showcase of human aquatic prowess. Athletes from around the world converged to test their limits in the disciplines of Free Immersion (FIM) and Constant Weight (CWT), where they aimed to set new AIDA National Records (NR), Continental Records (CR), and World Records (WR). The competition featured men's and women's events over ten days, with challenging conditions making every dive a test of skill and determination.
The fifth day of the championship showcased the women's Free Immersion (FIM) competition. In this discipline, athletes use only a rope to descend and ascend, with fins prohibited. Despite facing strong currents in the morning, the participants exhibited remarkable courage.
A total of 37 divers participated, with high hopes for six AIDA National Record (NR) attempts, one AIDA Continental Record (CR) attempt, and one AIDA World Record (WR) attempt. Regrettably, Sanda Delija (CRO) and Enchante Gallardo (USA), who had announced their WR and CR attempts respectively, had to abort their dives prematurely.
However, the day was not without its highlights, as five AIDA National Records were achieved: Jung A Kim (KOR) - 86m, Fatima Korok (HUN) - 96m, Shlomit Wallerstein (ISR) - 71m, Nikita Fima Atriyu (INA) - 63m, Jiaoyi Li (HKG) - 58m. The final rankings for the day were as follows: Fatima Korok (HUN) - 96m, Jung A Kim (KOR) - 86m, Sanda Delija (CRO) - 94m.
The following day featured the men's Free Immersion (FIM) competition. Despite challenging conditions due to strong currents, 47 divers took to the waters. Several AIDA National Records were announced, along with an AIDA Continental Record and a potential AIDA World Record.
Petar Klovar (CRO) set the stage by announcing his AIDA World Record attempt, targeting a 135m dive within four minutes and five seconds. Remarkably, Klovar defied the conditions and successfully secured the AIDA World Record in FIM, surpassing the previous record of 133m set by Alexey Molchanov just two months prior.
Additionally, Jay Ku (TPE) aimed for a new AIDA Continental Record, but an unfortunate early turn prevented him from completing the correct surface protocol. The day's highlights included nine new AIDA National Records and one new AIDA World Record by Petar Klovar (CRO) - 135m (pending doping results). The rankings for the day were as follows: Petar Klovar (CRO) - 135m (AIDA World Record - pending doping results), Vitomir Maričić (CRO) - 123m, Abdelatif Alouach (FRA) - 116m.
On the seventh day, women took on the Constant Weight (CWT) discipline, using either monofins or bifins to descend and ascend. The challenging conditions persisted, with a strong current testing the athletes' mettle.
A total of 38 divers participated, with seven AIDA National Records announced and one AIDA Continental Record attempt. Enchante Gallardo (USA) had announced her continental record attempt but faced difficulties at the bottom, preventing her from successfully completing the dive.
The day's highlights featured five new AIDA National Records: Yulia Marievich (LAT) - 77m, Marta Gil (ESP) - 77m, Camila Jaber (MEX) - 77m, Nikita Fima Atriyu (INA) - 71m, Jiaoyi Li (HKG) - 70m. The rankings for the day were as follows: Jung A Kim (KOR) - 96m, Jennifer Wendland (GER) - 92m, Qihong Han (CHN) - 92m.
The final day of the 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship took place on September 29th, 2023, concluding an exhilarating ten days of competition. Men took on the Constant Weight (CWT) discipline, battling strong currents and choppy surface conditions.
A total of 44 divers participated, with one AIDA World Record announced and nine AIDA National Records. Alexey Molchanov (INT) kickstarted the day with a remarkable 136m AIDA World Record, solidifying his reputation as a world-class freediver.
The day's highlights included four new AIDA National Records: Fabio Tunno (GER) - 109m, Amin Jadidi Fighan (IRN) - 80m, Necati Gul (TUR) - 74m, Deniss Lindovers (LAT) - 62m. The rankings for the day were as follows: Alexey Molchanov (INT) - 136m (AIDA World Record - pending doping result), Abdelatif Alouach (FRA) - 116m, Fabio Tunno (GER) - 109m.
At the conclusion of the 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship, the final overall rankings were announced:
Women's Overall Rankings: Jung A Kim (KOR), Sanda Delija (CRO), Irena Vanova (CZE).
Men's Overall Rankings: Vitomir Maričić (CRO), Petar Klovar (CRO), Fabio Tunno (GER).
In a spectacular showcase of human determination, courage, and skill, the 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship left a lasting mark on the world of freediving. Records were shattered, champions emerged, and a sense of awe-inspiring accomplishment permeated the waters of Limassol, Cyprus.