Alexei Molchanov sets new freediving world record

Alexei Molchanov has set a new world record in freediving under ice. The Russian dived to a depth of 80m in the waters of Lake Baikal.

The athlete from Russia ranks among the world leaders in men’s freediving. He made his attempt on 14 March, in the freezing and extremely beautiful waters of the Siberian Lake Baikal. Although the water temperature was only 3°C that day, it could not stop Alexei Molchanov on his way to another world record.

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I would like to dedicate my new record to this amazing place where we are now. Baikal is a unique body of water and a true phenomenon created by nature, a living organism that we must preserve for future generations,” said Alexei Molchanov

Lake Baikal is the largest and deepest freshwater body of water in the world. Unfortunately, for many years it has been negatively affected by heavy tourist traffic. Fires in the surrounding forests and increased algae growth are also problems. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that people who are involved with water on a daily basis are trying to help.

Alexei Molchanov’s sporting achievements include 14 world championship titles in freediving and 20 world records. He is also the son of the tragically deceased Russian freediver Natalia Molchanova. A true legend of this discipline, who, due to her sporting dominance, was called the Tsarina of freediving.

It is worth noting that within just two weeks Russians have already set three new Guinness records in freediving under ice. Before Mulyanov, the following athletes presented themselves with a great performance Ekaterina Nekrasova and Maria Olshevskayawho respectively set their world records in the DNF and STA events.

2021 is just getting started and who knows what else will happen? Let’s hope that many world records and great results await us in the coming months. We are also looking forward to the return to competition of Polish freedivers, for whom we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Photo: Danil Kolodin