Kiwi Freediver claims new WORLD RECORD

Kiwi Freediver claims new WORLD RECORD
 
for immediate release
09 August 2008 1.45pm
 
Wellington Freediver Kathryn McPhee broke a womens freediving world records during a national competition today at Porirua's aquatic centre. 

McPhee (29) achieved a distance of 151m on a single breath of air, in the "dynamic without fin" discipline, the dive which took a total of 2 mins 48 sec's secured McPhee her first World Record, one that was previously held by Russian Natalia Molchanova. 

Multiple national records have also changed hands with 2 competitors breaking their own National Records. Phil Clayton, a 40 year old geotechnical engineer residing in Auckland secured a new British Mens Dynamic without fins record with a swim of 132m, Computer programmer Walter Steyn (36) from Australia smashed the Australian mens Dynamic without fins record that he set 2 years ago in Taupo extending it from the previous 154m to 165m 

This weekend's event marks the 2nd time New Zealand has hosted a freediving competition with an 'A' level international judge in attendance. Athletes breaking world records can only have their performances officially ratified by internationally qualified judges, at least one judge cannot be of the same nationality as the athlete. Each athlete will be judged on how long they can hold their breath underwater and by how far they can swim on a single breath. Last years event saw David Mullins secure the Dynamic Apnea World record twice, a record he still holds at 244m, however this record may be extended by Mullins over the coming days of competition. 

International Judge Fran Rose says "It is phenomonal to see Kiwi Freediver's secure national records that are also World Records, Kathryn's dive today positions New Zealand very favourably for the World Champs event next month." 

Although freediving is a young sport here, New Zealand has already produced a number of world class freedivers, Dave Mullins, world record holder in pool events and one of only a handfull of divers who have been further than -110m, William Trubridge from Napier, also a double world record holder in unassisted freediving and free immersion, along with Ant Williams and Kerian Hibbs were selected earlier in the year to compete at the World Champs being held next month in Egypt.  The New Zealand team are favourites to take out the event. 

Competition starts around midday tomorrow and Tuesday at the Porirua pool, with athletes competing in 3 underwater swimming disciplines. 

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