Croatian freediver shatters world record breath-hold

Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić set a new Guinness World Record for a static breath-hold on Saturday in Opatija.

The 40-year-old champion freediver emerged from the three-meter pool in the lobby of the Bristol Hotel in Opatija after an incredible 29 minutes and 3 seconds, setting one of the most impressive records and pushing the human body to the very limit of sporting, medical and scientific possibilities.

In order to be able to last almost half an hour without breathing, Maričić prepared for several minutes beforehand by inhaling pure oxygen, while the dive itself was performed on pure oxygen.

The entire program was monitored by a team of five judges and official timekeepers so that the result would be properly registered according to the rules of the Guinness World Records Agency. About a hundred spectators gathered in the hotel lobby, who filled the space and witnessed this exceptional event.

"Behind every such record or success, no matter how small or big, there is tremendous teamwork and support from family and friends, without which everything would be impossible," said Maričić.

He said he had been preparing for this record for the last ten years of competitive freediving. Maričić added that he had been holding his breath and diving since he was about five years old.

"I think it was harder mentally, but only for the first twenty minutes. However, it got worse and worse physically, especially for my diaphragm, because of the contractions. But, mentally, I knew I wasn't going to give up," said the new World Record holder.

The previous record of 24 minutes and 34 seconds was set by fellow Croatian Budimir Šobat in 2021.

Check out a recent interview the Home Team podcast had with the amazing Vitomir Maričić just a few weeks ago where he talks about the ins and outs of the sport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zr4vPWcJWc&list=PLuEWODEWd3kNzl_vzvsghgJljtsrEDSN-