The competition, marked by bad weather, required some adjustments to the dive schedule, while the cold and unexpected temperatures certainly tested even the most experienced freedivers. Competing in a sea like the Mediterranean, with thermoclines and unstable conditions throughout the event, was definitely not easy.

We certainly did not see many deep dives attempting world records (WR), with the exception of Molchanov. However, it’s equally interesting to note how national records and the average performance level have been improving year after year. This is thanks in part, but not solely, to the ever-evolving education and training that is shared across schools worldwide.

The Italian national team was absent from the event, and we can't help but wonder how the podiums would have looked if the Azzurri had been present! The only “home-grown” presence was that of two Safety divers, Francesco Corucci and Safety Junior Federico Franconi.

Women’s CNF (Constant Weight No Fins)

1 - Maria Bobela Klovar (POL), 66 meters

2 - Lauren Matevish (USA), 63 meters

3 - Marine Simonis (BEL) and Marianna Gillespie (AIN), 61 meters

South African Talya Davidoff set a new continental record, reaching 60 meters.

Men’s CNF

1 - Petar Klovar (CRO) 93 meters

2 - Vitomir Maričić (CRO) 82 meters

3 - Abdelatif Alouach (FRA) 72 meters

Nine national records, for both men and women, were set by: Maria Bobela Klovar (Poland) 66m, Janita Kulkula (Finland) 46m, Talya Davidoff (South Africa) 60m, Nikita Fima Atriyu (Indonesia) 47m, Estefania Dejuk (Costa Rica) 20m, Jihoon Jang (KOR) 66m, Gonzalo Cortes Tavara (PER) 56m, Marcell Bago (HUN) 56m, Andres Leon (CRC) 30m.

The next discipline in which athletes competed was CWTB (constant weight bi-fins). Here are the women’s podium results:

1 - Marianna Gillespie (AIN) 96m

2 - Enchante Gallardo (USA) 91m

3 - Talya Davidoff (ZAF) 84m

Gallardo’s dive also set a new continental record, earning her the silver medal. Similarly, Davidoff’s 84-meter bi-fin dive marked a new continental record.

In the men’s bi-fin event, a new world record was set by Alexey Molchanov, who never ceases to impress, bouncing back after a blackout during his CNF performance.

1 - Alexey Molchanov (AIN) 125m

2 - Andrey Matveenko (AIN) 112m

3 - Petar Klovar (CRO) 105m

Numerous national records were also set, showcasing the athletes’ exceptional performances: Marine Simonis (BEL) 75m, Maria Bobela Klovar (POL) 82m, Enchante Gallardo (USA) 91m, Talya Davidoff (ZAF) 84m, Marta Gil (ESP) 81m, Yulia Marievich (LAT) 66m, Nikita Fima Atriyu (INA) 66m, Amal Alnabwany (SYR) 48m, Tatiana Mendes Barbosa (CPV) 47m, Gonzalo Cortes Tavara (PER) 80m, Jihoon Jang (KOR) 100m, Tommi Pasanen (FIN) 90m.

On the fourth day of competition, it was time for Free Immersion (FIM). Athletes descended by pulling themselves along a rope, with the podiums as follows:

Men’s FIM

1 - Petar Klovar (CRO) 127m

2 - Abdelatif Alouach (FRA) 111m

3 - Vitomir Maričić (CRO) 109m

Klovar reached his declared depth of 128 meters but was unable to secure the tag, receiving a yellow card instead. Croatia reaffirmed its position as a global leader in the sport.

Women’s FIM

1 - Enchante Gallardo (USA) 94m

2 - Marianna Gillespie (AIN) 81m

3 - Sahika Ercumen (TUR) 77m

Gallardo set another continental record with her 94-meter dive. Once again, several national records were broken, reflecting how the sport of freediving is evolving not only in countries where it is traditionally strong but around the world: Tatiana Mendes Barbosa (CPV) 42m, Nikita Fima Atriyu (INA) 65m, Marine Simonis (BEL) 73m, Enchante Gallardo (USA) 94m, Marcell Bago (HUN) 86m, Jihoon Jang (KOR) 100m.

Finally, one of the most anticipated events took place: the CWT (constant weight monofin) competition. Here are the results:

Women’s CWT

1 - Marianna Gillespie (AIN) 100m

2 - Laia Sopeña Spa (ESP) 98m

3 - Enchante Gallardo (USA) 93m

Men’s CWT

1 - Alexey Molchanov (AIN) 131m

2 - Andrey Matveenko (AIN) 120m

3 - Eddy Laffin (FRA) 108m

Here are the national records: Estefania Dejuk (CRC) 33m, Andres Leon (CRC) 35m, Tatiana Mendes Barbosa (CPV) 47m, Nikita Fima Atriyu (INA) 72m, Yulia Marievich (LAT) 80m, Laia Sopeña Spa (ESP) 98m.

Safety Team Leader Francesco Corucci shared insights about the safety measures for the athletes during the event:

"The system implemented last year proved to be effective. The team consisted of 14 freedivers: 8 seniors, 4 juniors, and 2 volunteers. Each safety diver, selected internationally, demonstrated professionalism and a strong sense of dedication. This resulted in a great performance not only from the competitors but also from those who were there to support the athletes during their dives!"

Photo: Aida International