New freediving world record set in Dominica

This week saw Dominica play host as a brand new world record for freediving was set by Sofía Gomez Uribe.

The Colombian managed 83.1 metres in two minutes and 43 seconds wearing bifins.

The previous CMAS world record was 82m, set by Slovakia’s Alenka Artnik in 2016.

This successful attempt was part of Dominica Dive Fest, the longest running scuba dive and water sports festival in the Caribbean.

“I am really happy that I made the dive, I was kind of nervous this morning but I used everything that [coach] Johnny told me to use, to focus that energy on the dive and keep me present, happy and strong,” Uribe told DeeperBlue.com.

“I’m really, really happy!”

Jonathan Sunnex, Uribe’s partner and coach, was full of gratitude, taking to DeeperBlue.com to thank the Blue Element safety, medical and media team, Fundacion Sofia Perez de Soto, BBVA, Suunto, Alchemy, and Oceaner.

“Also Buddy Dive Dominica and their fantastic crew for providing boating logistics and the Dominica Watersports Association for organising the annual Dominica Divefest and providing their support,” he added.

“We would also like to thank all of the local people of Soufriere/Scott’s Head and Dominica, who have gotten behind us and welcomed us into their beautiful country.”

November 2016 saw Dominica’s first ever free diving competition, which saw 17 competitors from 11 countries head to the Nature Island.

At the time Senator Robert Tonge, the minister of tourism, said that the sport was going to “bring a lot of awareness to the country” and demonstrate “what Dominica has to offer.”

A post shared by Sofía Gómez Uribe (@sofigomezu) on Jul 6, 2017 at 7:01am PDT