At the 35th AIDA Freediving World Championship in Limassol this week, Russian athlete Alexey Molchanov delivered one of the most dramatic feats ever recorded in freediving. He descended to a depth of 126 metres (413 feet) on a single breath, setting a new benchmark in the Constant Weight (with monofin) discipline.

Molchanov’s dive eclipses his own 2024 record of 125 metres — a performance in which he held his breath for 4 minutes and 32 seconds. On this latest attempt, he completed the downward plunge and return without any breathing equipment — only his fins, a headlamp, and a guide rope to mark his trajectory.

Molchanov’s descent unfolded in the Mediterranean’s clear waters off Limassol, a venue chosen for its favourable underwater conditions, visibility, and calm seas — ideal for depth competitions. The dive is still pending official ratification by AIDA judges and the completion of anti-doping protocols, standard procedure in world championship events.

This attempt marks Molchanov’s 40th recorded world record, according to AIDA’s social channels. Assuming validation, it cements his reputation as arguably the most accomplished depth freediver of his generation.

Born on 6 March 1987 in Volgograd, Russia, Molchanov has been deeply immersed in underwater sports since youth — his mother, Natalia Molchanova, was herself a legendary freediver. Today, he serves as president of the Russian Freediving Federation, leads the Natalia Molchanova Freediving School, and co-develops his own brand of freediving gear, Molchanovs.

Over his career he has set multiple world records across disciplines such as static apnea, dynamic (pool) dives, and various depth categories. In the Constant Weight (CWT) discipline — the one just attempted in Limassol — his personal best is documented at 136 m, though past records like this sometimes straddle the boundaries between AIDA and other bodies like CMAS. His record list also includes free immersion (FIM), no-fins (CNF), and variable weight (VWT) dives.

Molchanov has stood out not only as an athlete but as an influencer in the sport, contributing to training methodologies, equipment design, and the global freediving community.

The International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA) organizes depth, pool, and overall world championships under standardized rules. The 35th AIDA Depth World Championship is scheduled from 20 September to 3 October 2025 in Limassol. This edition marks the fourth time the island of Cyprus has hosted the depth event. 

If validated, Molchanov’s 126 m dive will stand as the new AIDA world record in CWT — until someone else dares to push even deeper. Meanwhile, the championship continues, with further depth disciplines and medal events yet to come.

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