Croatian sets incredible new breath-hold Guinness World Record
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Vitomir Maričić (Photo credit: Vladimir Soic)
ZAGREB, 15 June (Hina) – Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić has set a new Guinness World Record for static apnea, surfacing after an astonishing 29 minutes and 3 seconds in a three-metre pool in the lobby of the Bristol Hotel in Opatija.
It is being hailed as one of the most impressive records at the intersection of sport, medicine and science.
To stay underwater for nearly half an hour without breathing, Maričić first underwent several minutes of preparation breathing pure oxygen, and the dive itself was also performed on pure oxygen.
The entire attempt was overseen by a team of five judges and official timekeepers to ensure that the result met Guinness World Records standards.
(Photo credit: Vladimir Soic)
Around a hundred spectators gathered in the hotel lobby to witness the extraordinary feat.
“Behind every record or achievement like this, no matter how big or small, lies a huge amount of teamwork and the support of family and friends – without that, none of it would be possible.
(Photo credit: Vladimir Soic)
Today’s dive was very difficult for me; yesterday’s training session was much easier, but somehow it all turned out well. After the 20-minute mark, everything became easier, at least mentally,” Maričić said after surfacing.
