Croatian Freediver Pushes Human Limits, Holding Breath for Nearly 30 Minutes

In a stunning display of human endurance and mental fortitude, Croatian athlete Vitomir Maricic has redefined the boundaries of static apnea, setting a new Guinness World Record by holding his breath for an astonishing 29 minutes and 3 seconds on June 14, 2025.This incredible feat, achieved in the waters of his hometown, Rijeka, highlights the profound connection between extreme physical challenges and a deep mental state.

Maricic, who grew up with the sea as his backyard, discovered the joy of underwater exploration at a young age.While his competitive journey in freediving began later in life, his path has been anything but ordinary. before dedicating himself to the intense training required for record-breaking dives, Maricic honed his physical conditioning through gym workouts and mountaineering. He even spent time in a circus in New Zealand, an experience that, despite a serious injury, ultimately steered him back to the calming embrace of the ocean and the discipline of freediving.

the mental aspect of freediving is as crucial as the physical. Maricic explains the transformative power of the underwater habitat: When I dive, I completely disconnect, it’s as if I’m no longer there. He elaborates on this unique mental zone, stating, The simple act of going underwater triggers a series of physiological processes that put you directly into a particular mental zone. We have no choice but to focus our attention on one thing: where we are and what we are doing. This intense focus, akin to the zone athletes in sports like marathon running or archery strive for, allows maricic to push past the body’s natural urge to breathe.

“I have already set myself a number of challenges… but this was one of the most tough.”
Vitomir Maricic

The record-breaking dive itself was not without its challenges. Maricic recounted the intense physical sensations he experienced, including pains and spasms, all while under the watchful eyes of his doctor, friends, and the official jury. This underscores the extreme nature of static apnea, where the body is pushed to its absolute limits.

Beyond the personal triumph, Maricic’s deep connection with the sea has fueled a powerful advocacy for ocean protection. His extensive hours spent beneath the waves have made him a firsthand witness to the horrible changes impacting the Adriatic Sea, the same waters that shaped his childhood. This firsthand experience has transformed him into a fervent defender of marine ecosystems and an ambassador for the NGO Sea Shepherd.

Maricic’s message is urgent and resonates with the growing global concern for environmental health. If we don’t protect biodiversity and raise awareness