The Croatian freediver Petar Klovar has once again secured his place among the top names in world freediving. At the AIDA World Championships, held this week in Limassol (Cyprus), Klovar reached the podium in the free immersion discipline, finishing second and confirming his steady rise to the elite. After his success, SportsIn had the chance to talk with him, where he placed strong emphasis on the safety standards that AIDA provides for its athletes.

“In a world championship it’s not common to break records, because you only get one day and one attempt, and conditions can vary. Still, finishing second in the world is not bad at all,” Klovar explained after his performance. The Croatian recalled that this same location had hosted a championship two years ago and highlighted the reliability of the Cypriot organization. “When AIDA organizes a championship here in Limassol, I know everything will be perfect. Transfers on time, judges on time, safety team, doctors… there’s nothing to worry about.”

Organized by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA), these championships represent the sport’s highest stage and bring together the best freedivers from around the globe. Unlike record attempts carried out in more controlled conditions, here each athlete has just one chance per discipline, which adds both difficulty and pressure to every dive.

“If everything is under control, freediving is wonderful”

One of the points Klovar emphasized the most was precisely safety: “The safety divers in the water are excellent, and the doctors are great. It’s a much higher level than in other federations.” And he warned: “If everything is properly prepared, freediving is a wonderful sport. If not, it can become extremely dangerous in an instant.”

The Croatian didn’t hesitate to compare his experience in Cyprus with past competitions, harshly criticizing the lack of preparation by some organizers: “You can’t play with athletes’ safety. Without the athletes, there is no federation and there is no sport.”

AIDA versus CMAS

Klovar defended AIDA’s role as the guardian of elite freediving. “Here the athlete comes first, as it should be. In other federations, politics and money weigh too heavily,” he said. That’s why he doesn’t hide his satisfaction with the turn in his career: “I’m happy to have left CMAS and to be able to fully commit to AIDA. The difference in safety and organization is incomparable.”

Known for his ability to adapt across different freediving disciplines, Petar Klovar has established himself as one of the names to watch on the international circuit. Born in Croatia, he has competed in numerous European and world events, and stands out as one of the most solid freedivers of the new generation.

Klovar is clear about his goal: to continue growing within AIDA and always compete in safe environments. “I don’t care about money or anything else; what matters is being able to give my best in a place where I trust the organization. For me, AIDA is the future of freediving.”

Petar Klovar’s achievements

• Petar Klovar, professional freediver from Croatia, with more than 4 years competing internationally and setting world records under both AIDA and CMAS rules.

• CMAS Outdoor Freediving World Championships (Kas, Turkey, October 2022):

  • FIM (Free Immersion): 132 m – Gold and CMAS world record.

  • CNF (Constant Weight No Fins): 94 m – Gold and CMAS world record.

• Key achievements after Kas 2022:

  • 2023 (September, Limassol, Cyprus): FIM world record at 135 m.

  • 2024 (AIDA Depth World Championship): 105 m in CWTB (bi-fins).

  • May 2025: CNF world record at 103 m, later ratified by AIDA.

  • September 2025 (AIDA Depth Worlds): Gold in CNF with 88 m.

• Best performances across disciplines:

  • Static Apnea (STA): 8:09 min.

  • Dynamic With Fins (DYN): 250 m.

  • Dynamic Without Fins (DNF): 218 m.

  • WTB (bi-fins): 105 m.

  • CWT (constant weight with fins): 80 m.

  • CNF (no fins): 103 m – World Record.

  • FIM (free immersion): 135 m – World Record.