The azure waters of Seychelles have always beckoned adventurers and water
enthusiasts, and recently, they became the backdrop for a historic event - the first ever freediving competition in the archipelago. Held at the Roche Caiman swimming pool, the competition featured two exhilarating disciplines: Static Apnea and Dynamic Apnea, showcasing the true spirit of freediving. Organized by the Seychelles Diving Federation in collaboration with Freediving Seychelles, this remarkable event saw a total of 16 talented athletes compete, with an impressive 9 of them being Seychellois.
The day began with the serene ambiance of Static Apnea in the morning. As the competitors immersed themselves in stillness, they held their breaths with astonishing determination. The atmosphere was electric as spectators held their breaths in awe, watching each athlete push their limits. Martin Howson emerged as the victor for static apnea, leaving everyone astounded with his incredible performance, holding his breath for an astounding 5 minutes and 36 seconds.
In the afternoon, the 50m pool came alive with the exhilarating Dynamic Apnea discipline. Athletes gracefully glided through the water, testing their endurance and skill in covering distances underwater. The crowd erupted in cheers as the competitors showcased their aquatic prowess. Sophie Perolari dominated the women's category, leaving her mark with an impressive distance of 122 meters.
One of the most heartening aspects of this event was the overwhelming support from the local community. The poolside was adorned with a lovely crowd, passionately cheering for all athletes and celebrating the spirit of unity through sports.
In the awards ceremony, the champions stood tall with pride. In the men's category, Martin Howson claimed the first-place position, followed by Kelian Ah-Kong securing the second-place spot and Roy Assaf taking the third-place position. In the women's category, Sophie Perolari triumphed with a well-deserved first-place win, while Rafaela Gameiro secured second place, and Elena Shindina proudly stood in third place.
The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Bliss hotel, Clef Des Iles, Lavazza Seychelles, Gran Kaz, Big Boys Toys, Dive Equipment Seychelles, and Mohock Associates. Their commitment to promoting sports and adventure in Seychelles played a significant role in making this competition a grand success.
The first ever freediving competition in Seychelles has set a new milestone for underwater exploration and has undoubtedly ignited a passion for the sport within the local community. It marks the beginning of an exciting journey for freediving in the archipelago, encouraging more individuals to embrace the enchanting world beneath the waves.
As the waves continue to whisper their allure, we look forward to more such events that will further strengthen the bond between humans and the ocean, inspiring a generation of daring explorers and fostering a profound appreciation for marine life and the environment. Until the next exhilarating dive, Seychelles remains an unrivaled paradise for freedivers and ocean enthusiasts alike.
As the sun set on the first ever freediving competition in Seychelles, the spirit of camaraderie and determination remained as a promise of even greater things to come. Building on this resounding success, the top ten athletes from the competition will now embark on an even more exhilarating journey - a depth competition at the end of the year. The prospect of exploring the mesmerizing depths of the Indian Ocean fills the competitors with excitement and a thirst for adventure.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce our commitment to promoting freediving as a sport in Seychelles. Encouraged by the overwhelming response from the local community and beyond, we are dedicated to organizing a national freediving pool competition every year. This annual event will provide a platform for seasoned athletes and budding enthusiasts alike to showcase their skills, while also fostering a sense of unity and pride in representing their beautiful island nation.
As the love for freediving takes root in Seychelles, we envision a future where the archipelago becomes a hub for underwater exploration and adventure. With each competition, we aim to raise awareness about mental health, marine conservation and instill a deep respect for the ocean, ensuring that future generations cherish and protect this invaluable natural treasure.
So, join us as we prepare to dive into the unknown, embracing the call of the deep blue sea. Together, we will continue to make waves, propelling the spirit of freediving to new heights in Seychelles and beyond. Let the adventure begin!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Comments