The world of freediving is experiencing an exceptional moment. Two athletes have raised the standards of the sport: Sanda Delija (CRO) reached 103 meters in Free Immersion (FIM) during the AIDA Mabini Depth Quest Season 2, setting a new women’s world record (pending anti-doping confirmation), while Heike Schwerdtner (GER) set a new mark in Static Apnea with 9 minutes and 22 seconds at the “Stockholm Apnea AIDA STA Wars – CO₂ Strikes Back” event. Both achievements reflect years of effort, dedication and determination.

Meanwhile, AIDA announced the launch of the “AIDA Advanced Competition Safety Freediver Course” in collaboration with Freediving World Center, in Sharm El Sheikh. This course, led by AIDA’s head of safety instructors, Savvas Savva, will take place from May 17 to 19 and is aimed at freedivers with an AIDA4 certification or higher. Course materials and certification will be free of charge, offering a unique training opportunity in one of the world’s top freediving destinations.

Elite Training in Times of Historic Records

This advanced course is designed to train professionals capable of handling safety scenarios at high-level competitions. Participants will not only gain top-tier theoretical and practical knowledge, but also train in real-world conditions under the guidance of a global expert like Savvas Savva. Safety in freediving, especially in competitive contexts, is key for the sport to continue advancing with confidence.

The timing of this course alongside the new women’s world records is no coincidence: freediving is evolving rapidly. Sanda Delija, after years of attempts, achieved her goal with a clean and precise dive to great depths. Heike Schwerdtner, meanwhile, surpassed even her previous record with a breath-hold nearing 10 minutes, proving the human ability to push beyond known limits. Training and sporting excellence — a combination that defines this great moment for AIDA.