Olga Nesterenko, a 48-year-old pharmacist from Chelyabinsk, achieved fifth place in static apnea at the World Championship in Greece, setting a personal record of nearly 7 minutes of breath-holding underwater. Nesterenko’s journey into freediving began just five years ago, during the coronavirus pandemic, and she has quickly risen to international competition. Despite working full-time, she trains rigorously in the pool and open water, showcasing remarkable dedication and skill.

Nesterenko’s introduction to freediving came through yoga and breathing practices. Initially, she was simply looking for ways to stay active when the pool was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Her coach, Konstantin Almazov, recognized her potential and encouraged her to try freediving. She progressed rapidly, improving her breath-hold time from a minute and a half to over six minutes. Her dedication led her to compete at the Russian level and subsequently qualify for the World Championship.

Training for freediving is both physically and mentally demanding. Nesterenko trains in the pool twice a week, combining breathing exercises with underwater practice. She also incorporates breathing techniques into her daily routine, practicing “square breathing” while commuting or running errands. This consistent training has allowed her to push her limits and achieve remarkable results.

Freediving offers Nesterenko a sense of peace and tranquility. She describes it as akin to meditation, where thoughts recede and she becomes fully present in the water. The sport requires intense focus and self-awareness, allowing athletes to connect with their bodies and minds.

While some freedivers focus on diving to depth, Nesterenko specializes in static apnea, which involves holding one’s breath for as long as possible while submerged. At the World Championship, she pushed herself to her limit, experiencing a “samba” – involuntary movements indicating a near blackout. She was able to recover quickly and safely, achieving a personal best time of 6 minutes 56 seconds.

Nesterenko’s success at the World Championship has motivated her to continue improving. She plans to add another 20 seconds to her breath-hold time and continue competing. Her story is an inspiration to others, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve remarkable things with dedication and perseverance, regardless of age or professional background. She shows that with consistent training and mental fortitude, anyone can pursue their passion and achieve incredible feats.