Freediver Alexey Molchanov established a new world record in the constant weight (CWT) discipline at the world championships in Limassol, Cyprus, on Thursday.
The dive required intense physical and mental exertion, with Molchanov noting that the effects of deep-water narcosis—a state caused by high-pressure gases impacting coordination, judgment, and perception—were present as he reached the bottom. “It was demanding, the dive lasted a long time and the narcosis was strong,” Molchanov stated upon returning to the surface. He described the ascent as dreamlike, adding that he struggled to maintain concentration throughout the return to the surface.
Technical challenges during the 137-meter ascent
Upon reviewing footage of the attempt, Molchanov identified that he had drifted too far from the guide rope during his ascent. He reported that the safety line pulled him to the side, which created additional resistance and slowed his progress. In the constant weight discipline, athletes must descend and ascend using only their own physical strength while wearing a monofin that binds the feet together. Competitors are prohibited from altering their weight or utilizing the guide rope for propulsion.
Molchanov’s career progression and world record history
The performance in Limassol marks the seventh time Molchanov has broken his own world record in this specific category. According to event organizers, he has set more than 40 world records across various freediving disciplines since beginning his career in 2004. Reflecting on his trajectory, Molchanov noted, “My first world record with a monofin was in 2012. Since then, I have been pushing the limit for 14 years. And now, after those 14 years, I am 12 meters deeper.”
Future goals for the record-holder
Regarding his future in the sport, Molchanov indicated that he intends to continue competing, though he left the exact duration of his career open. “We will see how many more years I will dive and how many meters I will add to that,” he said.
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