Balbriggan woman breaks world freediving record in Turkey

BALBRIGGAN woman Nina McGowan set a new world record in the Masters category of the No Fins discipline at a prestigious international freediving competition.

She went on to secure a gold medal for Ireland in the FIM (Free Immersion) category during the CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) Outdoor Freediving World Championships in Kas, Turkey.

McGowan, 50, from the Harbour area of the town, also set two national records over the course of the Championships.

She beat the existing world record by three metres to log the deepest ‘no fins’ dive in CMAS history for a woman aged 50-54.

She dived to 43m, with a dive duration of two minutes, ten seconds at the competition’s warm-up event.

Pic: Kristine Zipfel.

McGowan is one of the world’s leading exponents of freediving, which involves competitors diving deep under water without breathing equipment.

“When my coach suggested a world record was within my reach, I thought it was a crazy,” she said.

“But because water is both my sanctuary and playground, anything is possible. The limitations of the land do not apply.

“To become a world champion and a world record holder in one week is simply fantastic.

“I had many doubts and failings along the way, but I have achieved what I set out to do.

“And I am very proud Ireland is now represented at this level in freediving.

“I hope the sport will grow in Ireland and that next year we will have an Irish team going to the World Championships.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in this adventure.

“Diving Ireland, Sport Ireland and Dublin City Sports and Wellbeing Partnership for their support and belief in me.

“Also, my Go-Funders, friends, family and the wonderful community of freedivers who have encouraged me from the beginning and continue to cheer me on.”

Pic: Federico Buzzoni.