In June 2025, Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić astonished the world by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest voluntarily held breath underwater using oxygen, clocking in at an astonishing 29 minutes and 3 seconds. This surpassed the previous record by more than four minutes and was performed in a controlled 3-meter-deep pool before an audience of judges and spectators, a feat highlighting remarkable mental discipline and physiological control.
The technical preparation for such a record is as impressive as the time itself. Before submersion, Maričić practiced controlled pre-breathing of pure oxygen—also known as denitrogenation—to saturate his lungs with oxygen and delay carbon dioxide buildup, thereby minimizing the natural urge to breathe. Despite physical strain—especially diaphragm spasms—Maričić’s mental fortitude carried him through.
This groundbreaking achievement not only redefines human limits in breath-hold diving but also underscores the critical role of breathing techniques, psychological preparedness, and support systems. It stands as a compelling testament to how athletic performance fuses rigorous mental discipline with physiological mastery—truly a milestone in the world of record-breaking endurance feats.
