- by croatiaweek
- February 2, 2026
-
in
Sport
(Photo: HRT/Screenshot)
Croatian freedivers have once again captured global attention after setting two new Guinness World Records in newly recognised disciplines of breath-hold diving.
The records were achieved by Vitomir Maričić of Rijeka and Toma Čelar of Split, both members of the Croatian national freediving team, during a unique winter event held in a covered outdoor swimming pool, HRT reported.
Despite freezing temperatures, the pool, enclosed by a protective dome, was filled to capacity with spectators eager to witness the historic underwater feats.
Forty-six-year-old Toma Čelar delivered a remarkable performance, completing 20 backward somersaults underwater at a depth of five metres, while carrying an additional 15 kilograms of weight.
The demanding dive was completed in just one minute and 25 seconds, requiring exceptional breath control, spatial awareness and physical endurance.
Speaking after the record-breaking dive, Čelar credited the crowd for pushing him forward.
“Thank you to the crowd, without them, I could never have done this. They are my friends and I send them my greetings,” Čelar said.
“As for the number of rotations, we agreed to go strong but safe. Next time we’ll increase it by five. The essence of freediving is to surface safely and cleanly, while still pushing the boundaries.”
A 300-Kilogram Underwater Squat
Rijeka-born freediving star Vitomir Maričić took on a completely different challenge, setting a Guinness World Record for the heaviest underwater squat.
At the bottom of the pool, Maričić performed a squat lift with a staggering 300 kilograms of weight, far exceeding what had previously been attempted underwater.
“The goal was to perform the heaviest underwater squat, and we succeeded,” Maričić told HRT.
“We increased the load gradually, 220, then 260, and finally 300 kilograms. It was challenging, but we made it.”
On dry land, Maričić regularly squats up to 210 kilograms, making the underwater achievement even more extraordinary given the added pressure, breath-hold requirements and buoyancy control.
Maričić is already a highly respected figure in the international freediving community. Among his many achievements is last year’s world record in static apnea, where he held his breath underwater for an astonishing 29 minutes and three seconds.
