The Hungarian Zsofia Torocsik is one of the main protagonists at the AIDA World Championships, held these days in Limassol (Cyprus). A pool ‘specialist’ and came to train in depth just freshly few weeks ago, Torocsik has quickly climbed the international circuit in just two and a half years of career. She already has international medals and a solid reputation as a versatile freediver, with her latest success coming this Sunday with the gold in FIM (Free Immersion). SportsIn, present in Cyprus, spoke with her to hear first-hand her views on freediving.
“Until now it’s been perfect. I already knew this team from two years ago, at the World Championships in Kaunas, and their professionalism left a great impression on me. The atmosphere is very good and as an athlete I feel welcome.” The Hungarian freediver stressed that safety is an aspect she never even questions when competing with AIDA: “I never ask myself whether I’m safe or not. That says it all. You just focus on what you will do underwater, because you know that if something happens, there will be a protocol and a prepared team.” Organized by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA), these championships are the reference point of the world calendar.
Accidents happen in every sport
During the conversation, Torocsik recalled that accidents can happen in any sport, also in freediving: “I’ve seen it in cycling or triathlon, and freediving is no exception. The important thing is to recognize it and learn from it, not hide it. If we analyze what happens, we can prevent it in the future and strengthen safety.”
She frankly pointed out that “if everything is under control, freediving is wonderful; if not, it can become extremely dangerous.” That is why she defends speaking openly about issues such as decompression sickness or blackouts, to raise awareness and set clear protocols.
The bad memory of Mytikas
In this regard, Torocsik was critical of the organization of a recent championship in Mytikas (Greece), organized by CMAS, where a serious accident exposed major shortcomings: “What I saw there was unbelievable. There was no basic safety preparation, not even the local hospitals knew that a world championship was taking place. For me it was unacceptable. The athlete must focus on the competition, not on wondering what will happen if an accident occurs.”
The Hungarian regretted that after that incident some athletes focused their criticism on those who had helped first-hand: “Thanks to those people André is alive. Instead of supporting them, they were unfairly attacked. That is what hurts me the most.”
Future plans
Screenshot
Despite a year full of competitions —with pool events, national and world championships—, Torocsik says she came to Limassol with the intention of enjoying herself: “What I’ve done so far has been easier than I expected, I feel I still have reserves. I also approach this championship as a training event.” With that mindset and thanks to a clean execution, this Sunday she achieved her first gold in a depth discipline, following her strong results at the 2025 AIDA Pool World Championship.
Her immediate goal is to return to the podium: “I won a silver in CNF, a bronze in BiFins, and later a gold in FIM.” Beyond the results, she insists that her priority is to keep growing as an athlete in a safe and constructive environment. “Talking about what happens in our sport is not a weakness, it’s the way to make it stronger and more attractive for everyone.”
