Man Sets World Record For Longest Swim Underwater In Ocean With One Breath

A man has set the word record for the longest underwater swim with one breath.

Stig Severinsen, from Denmark, completed the incredible feat in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, on 26 November 2020, swimming 202m (662ft 8.7in).

The 47-year-old managed to hold his breath for two minutes and 42 seconds in order to break the record.

The talented swimmer attempted the record in order to inspire young people to take an interest in the oceans and conservation.

But this isn't the first record Stig has broken in his time, not by a long way.

Back in 2010, he swam 72 metres (236 feet) under ice wearing only swimming trunks and goggles.

And in the same year, he then went on to hold his breath for 20 minutes and ten seconds in a tank full of sharks - a record he again broke in 2012 and 2016.

Ruptly/Breatheology

Speaking about his latest record, Stig took to Reddit to discuss his motivations behind it.

He said: "I have set out to break this world record at the start of 2020 to bring the focus on the importance of protecting the oceans from overfishing, plastics and other unnatural destruction.

"I also want to show that in these trying times, you should never give up chasing your dreams.

"If I can set a physical world record at the ripe age of 47, I hope it inspires you to pursue what you want and do best."

And it seems that last year was a bit of a purple patch for aquatic feats.

In November, a scuba diver in Egypt has stayed underwater for six days in a bid to set a new world record.

Saddam Al-Kilany submerged himself in the Red Sea off the coast of Dahab on 5 November, and reportedly stayed under there for 145 hours and 30 minutes.

Facebook/The Longest Dive in History

In doing so, the 29-year-old surpassed his own 2017 personal best of 121 hours as well as the current world record of 142 hours and 47 minutes, which was set by Cem Karabay in Cyprus in 2016.

As such, it would seem he has set a new benchmark in the world of staying underwater for ages; however, the new record hasn't been formally confirmed by the gang at Guinness World Records yet.

Saddam had originally planned on staying down there for 150 hours, but he was withdrawn four-and-a-half hours early due to health concerns.

Pathetic, really.

Just messing - solid effort Saddam. No doubt your hands would be wrinklier than a rhino's scrotum if it weren't for the fact you quite sensibly wore gloves.

Topics: SPORT, World News, Denmark, Mexico

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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