Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Share this on
Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
As the CMAS 8th World Championship Freediving Depth progressed, the intensity only increased, with athletes facing new challenges, testing their limits, and creating moments of awe. After an exhilarating start to the competition, the middle and final stages delivered equally thrilling performances in the disciplines of Free Immersion (FIM), Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), and Constant Weight with Bi-Fins (CWBF). Let’s dive into the highlights of Days 4 through 9, where the competition reached its peak.
Day 4 was a testament to the unpredictability of the sea and the resilience of freedivers. The Men’s Free Immersion (FIM) event took place in challenging conditions, forcing athletes to adapt quickly to the shifting environment. Several top contenders experienced setbacks, but it was France’s Abdelatif Alouach who emerged victorious with an incredible dive to 117 meters. His calm precision and steady ascent showcased his ability to master the difficult conditions, earning him a well-deserved gold medal.
Oman’s Omar Al Ghailani also rose to the occasion with a 107-meter dive, securing the silver medal. His consistent performance under pressure highlighted his growing presence in the international freediving scene. In third place, Emmanouil Giankos of Greece continued to impress with a clean dive to 106 meters, bringing home the bronze and making his home country proud.
A special mention goes to Alexander Kusakin, who set a new Para Freediving World Record with a dive to 61 meters. His achievement added an inspiring chapter to an already remarkable day.
With ideal weather conditions on Day 5, the women’s FIM competition saw top athletes take full advantage of the calm seas and clear skies. Ukraine’s Katerina Sadurska dominated the event with a beautiful dive to 95 meters, earning her the gold medal. Her effortless grace and precision in the water were on full display, as she surfaced with composure and confidence.
In a tightly contested battle, Enchante Gallardo of the USA claimed the silver medal with a 93-meter dive, while fellow American Talya Davidoff secured the bronze with a dive to 92 meters. The calm waters of Kalamata set the stage for these athletes to push their limits, and they delivered extraordinary performances in return.
Day 6 brought even more excitement as the men took on the grueling Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) discipline, which requires tremendous physical and mental strength. All eyes were on Alexey Molchanov, and despite surfacing without the required depth tag, his dive to 93 meters was deep enough to secure the gold medal. Once again, Molchanov demonstrated why he’s considered one of the greatest freedivers in the world, managing the perfect combination of power and technique.
Spain’s Francisco Quesada followed closely behind, earning the silver medal with an impressive dive to 82 meters, while Oman’s Omar Al Ghailani continued his strong run at the championship, taking bronze with a dive to 77 meters. Al Ghailani’s consistent podium finishes solidified his position as a rising star in the sport.
The day was also marked by a new Para Freediving World Record, as Alessandro Cianfoni reached a depth of 35 meters, further advancing the boundaries of what is possible in para freediving.
The women’s CNF competition on Day 7 saw a historic moment as Kateryna Sadurska of Ukraine set a new world record with a dive to 80 meters. Her dive was nothing short of spectacular, blending strength, precision, and mental toughness to claim both the gold medal and a place in freediving history.
Belgium’s Marine Simonis delivered a solid performance with a dive to 64 meters, securing the silver medal, while Isabel Sánchez Arán of Spain took bronze with a 57-meter dive. The women’s CNF event stood out as a showcase of resilience and skill, with athletes performing at the highest level despite the inherent challenges of the discipline.
Day 8 featured an unforgettable moment in the men’s CWBF discipline as Alexey Molchanov attempted a dive to 125 meters, a potential world record. Although he missed the critical depth tag, his performance was still enough to secure first place with a dive that left the crowd in awe of his unmatched ability. Molchanov’s mastery of technique and mental resilience continues to set him apart as the sport’s leading figure.
France’s Abdelatif Alouach claimed the silver medal with a flawless dive to 115 meters, while Italy’s Davide Carrera rounded out the podium with a dive to 113 meters. Carrera’s consistent performance added yet another medal to his already impressive career.
The final day of the championship saw Alenka Artnik cement her legacy with a 103-meter dive in the women’s CWBF event, securing her spot at the top of the podium. Her flawless execution and mental fortitude were on full display, demonstrating why she’s regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the sport.
Italy’s Alessia Zecchini pushed Artnik to the limit with a dive to 100 meters, earning her the silver medal, while Ukraine’s Kateryna Sadurska claimed bronze with a 95-meter dive, concluding an exceptional championship run.
As the CMAS 8th World Championship Freediving Depth came to a close, it was clear that the athletes had once again pushed the limits of human potential. With records broken, new champions crowned, and unforgettable performances, this year’s championship will be remembered as one of the most exciting and inspiring yet.
