Hello Vincenzo! This summer the Italian record in variable weight was broken. Which was yours. Are you planning to take it back?

«Giacomo Sergi, before making the attempt, contacted me because he wanted to tell me. He was very correct; after all, records exist to be broken. Maybe one day I will organize a new attempt, but for now I'm too busy with other commitments. Now I want to compete in the World Cup in Egypt, where I will certainly aim for a good performance and, perhaps, win in the single and double fin disciplines. Subsequently I intend to participate in the Italians on Garda, scheduled for 7 and 8 September. And the 9th will be my birthday! Furthermore, with Cetma we are working hard to be a constant presence in the area. The objective is to obtain good odds for the world championship in Kalamata in October."

How do you become a freediver and why did you choose this path?

«Like many, I started with fishing. I was an inveterate fisherman, then in 2004 I took part in my first freediving course. From there I fell in love with it and in 2005/2006 I went to Egypt. Well, from that moment I started thinking only about depth. Today I practice freediving almost exclusively, with some exceptions in the winter months, when I fish. But then again, in the Naples area, thinking of being able to fish in the summer is crazy. There is a lot of boats coming and going and you constantly risk being put under. In Egypt, however, diving with a rifle is not even talked about!

«In 2006 I thought I only wanted to do freediving. I attended other courses, I started training seriously and in 2012, after an Italian Championship, I was included in the talent project and for the first time I became part of the national circuit. From there, if possible, I started training even more. I didn't like the dynamics, but Alessia Zecchini suggested that it would help me in the constant, improving my kicking technique and freediving under stress. In 2014 my first call-up for the European Indoor Championships arrived in Tenerife, while my first deep competition was in Ischia, in 2015. At home! And I won my first world medal: a second place on fins and a third on mono».

Today you only deal with freediving. So I ask you: is it possible to live only on this?

«I was an employee, but I resigned in 2016. I started working as a freelancer. Then I moved to Rome, where I worked as a thermo-plumber.  It was after Covid that I thought I'd try to live only by freediving. So if you ask me if it's possible, I'll say yes. But with many, many efforts and after many disappointments. For me, passion was an incredible driving force and I never put the economic question at the center. When freediving becomes your main job it's nice, but you also have to get used to it. This is because you are dependent on her and it becomes a stressful factor. As long as work comes first, prioritize that. When work turns into your passion, if something goes wrong it affects both of you». You are training to conquer a new record constantly.

How do you prepare for an undertaking like this?

«To achieve a record you have to start at least a year in advance and the preparation is entirely aimed at that purpose. You see how the previous season went and try to understand the strong points and the weak points, what to develop and what to leave out. This year I worked more on apnea times and tried to bring them from 3 and a half minutes to 4. I'm transferring this training from the pool to the sea. Furthermore, to constantly move up you need muscles. Therefore it is also important to provide good strength training».

 Do you miss fishing? Or don't you even think about it?

«I like fishing for bass in little water. Maximum 10 meters, and therefore in the summer I don't even think about it. In the summer, as I told you, the conditions are not ideal given the large number of boats around, at all hours».

Is it difficult to find sponsors in the freediving world? One day, after your journey as an athlete, will you stay in the sector?

«Yes, it's definitely difficult even if freediving has recently become more popular than in the past. Sponsors are interested in records and numbers, but they are not the focal point. What we are really looking for is an identity. A healthy and clean character and personality. Not obsessed or without half measures, in short! I think I have some feedback because I always try to solve everything. I like to fix situations and I enjoy being with others and sharing experiences and ideas. «Coming to the second part of the question, one day I would like to train and become a mental coach. And of course continue to be part of the Commercial team for Cetma. Running around and being an athlete is nice, but it's also very tiring! In Naples our sport is developing and courses are organized in almost all swimming pools. I often train together with others; I like to stay in touch with the instructors that I gradually get to know. Personally I don't organize courses, but I would like to have a group of athletes in the future. Some time ago I trained Martina Binda for about a year and a half. Absolute champion!». 

What relationship do you have with other disciplines? What is it that you like about freediving?

«Alessia helped me in the process to redevelop it and dedicate myself to it. For me it is continuous suffering. It doesn't drive me crazy, but I practice it. Statics, on the other hand, are torture! I'm hyper active and I don't like the thought of being in the water doing nothing at all! Then obviously there is the outdoors. The sea, the sun, the fresh air and the depths. I couldn't do without that. I like that the freediver is able to manage incredible situations. In a dive where you know you will go 100 meters there is a great deal of stress and fear. But you manage them. And get out. A person who can handle this can handle anything else. Freediving gives you the means to believe in yourself. To be master of your emotions».

How does Vincenzo Ferri protocol a ceiling?

Tell us about your dive.«I try to think about the dive when I'm on the spot, not before. I arrive an hour early and do a warm-up descent from the platform, then I visualize what I'm going to do for about 15 minutes. I move on to getting dressed and put on my watch, lanyard and everything else, trying not to think about anything. A minute earlier I attach the lanyard and relax. I breathe and try to be here and now. Off I go. I push without exaggerating and seek relaxation. At 30 meters I load mouthfill and at 40 I fall. I close my arms and focus solely on equalizing. I keep my eyes open, but it's as if they're closed. The only thing I pay attention to is the distance from the cable. Once I get 10 meters from the target the alarm sounds, so I get ready, I turn, I put my arms well behind my head and push with my legs, concentrating on the technique and managing the narcosis. Even on the way up the alarms sound to tell me more or less how far along I am. When I start to see the safeties I give a stroke to rest my legs. I take off the nose clip before piercing the surface and focus on the exit protocol». 

What are your next goals?

«I'm certainly aiming to have a good race in Egypt. Then there are the Italians on Garda, where I will try to set a new constant world record (CWT). With Cetma we have many commitments. We will soon release a new nose clip and continue to work on innovation and quality of equipment. There is a relationship of trust, dialogue and continuous growth between us. Being open to athletes' ideas allows you to develop many things. Soon you will see some beautiful ones!». 

What relationship is there between athlete and sponsor?

«For me it is a very strong and trusting bond. Without my sponsors I couldn't dedicate myself to my passion. This is why it is important to remember them and thank them. Starting from Cetma, but also from Squale, which makes watches and has supported me since 2021. Lubrialpha, on the other hand, produces mechanical and hydraulic oils, while Profenix markets natural supplements and Miasense is an association that fights for the protection of the oceans; I am a testimonial for this. Finally, Mola Mola provides me with wonderful wetsuits, in Yamamoto».