Ukrainian freediver Nataliia Zharkova has set a new world record in free immersion, reaching a depth of 107 metres at the CMAS Freediving World Championship in Roatán, Honduras, Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi announced.
“A new world record for Ukraine at the CMAS Freediving World Championship! Congratulations to Nataliia Zharkova on this major achievement — setting a free immersion world record at 107 metres. At the same championship, Kateryna Sadurska also won gold and silver medals! Another historic achievement for Ukrainian freediving. The whole country is proud of you!” the minister wrote on Facebook.
According to the Ukrainian Federation of Underwater Sports and Activities, this was Zharkova’s second dive at the competition.
“Her first attempt ended unsuccessfully, despite being one of the strongest bids for victory at 121 metres. However, in her very next dive, the athlete managed to turn her performance into a world record. The result became an important sporting comeback and confirmed the Ukrainian athlete’s ability not only to compete for the highest achievements but also to recover quickly after a setback at the season’s most important competition,” the federation said.
Zharkova is one of Ukraine’s most successful freedivers and a multiple world champion and world record holder. She represents Ukraine at international freediving competitions and also works as a coach, promoting a culture of safe, technically proficient and mindful breath-hold diving.
