Tunisian Freediver Walid Boudhiaf Eyes Records and Developing the Sport
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Loading... - Fiona Cullen
- 28 Oct 2024
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Tunisian freediver Walid Boudhiaf stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of freediving, being the Arab world's only international champion in the sport and a former world record holder at an impressive depth of 150 meters. Now, at 46, Boudhiaf is not only focused on achieving new personal milestones but is also dedicated to expanding the sport in Tunisia, where he believes "thousands practice it without even realizing."
During a recent visit to his home country, Boudhiaf shared his remarkable journey with AFP, reflecting on how his passion for the sea and freediving has shaped his life. Growing up in Tunisia, he spent countless summers by the coast, nurtured by a family that cherished the ocean. His father, a university professor, and his mother, a French doctor, instilled in him a love for the water, teaching him to swim at the tender age of three and later introducing him to spearfishing.
However, it wasn't until he found himself in Bogotá, Colombia—far from the sea—that Boudhiaf discovered freediving. Initially drawn to underwater rugby, he soon realized that the sport lacked the intensity he craved. His coach recognized his exceptional breath control, a skill that would later enable him to achieve a personal record of seven minutes and 38 seconds underwater.
Living at an altitude of 2,600 meters in Bogotá has also contributed to his athletic prowess, as the low oxygen levels stimulate red blood cell production, enhancing his cardiovascular fitness. Boudhiaf dedicated himself to training, often spending up to six hours a day honing his skills while balancing a demanding job as a computer engineer. "I stopped going out," he recalls. "All I did was train."
Boudhiaf's competitive journey began in 2007 when he entered his first competition in Marseille. However, it wasn't until 2012 that he could fully commit to freediving, following a job in the Canary Islands that brought him closer to the ocean. With sponsorship from Tunisian companies, he has since turned his passion into a profession, organizing workshops and conferences to promote the sport.
His breakthrough moment came in 2021 when he set a world record at 150 meters in the variable weight category during a competition in Egypt. This achievement garnered him international acclaim and was inspired by Luc Besson's iconic film "The Big Blue," which popularized freediving, as well as the legendary records of Umberto Pelizzari. "One hundred fifty meters is a symbolic frontier, a testament to human potential," Boudhiaf remarked.
In 2022, he was crowned world champion after diving to 116 meters in free immersion apnea, completing the dive in three minutes and 54 seconds. His recent success at the Deep Blue competition in Dominica, where he secured one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, has set the stage for his next challenge: the 2025 Vertical Blue, an elite freediving competition in the Bahamas, which he describes as "the Wimbledon of freediving." Boudhiaf aims to break the constant weight record of 136 meters, currently held by Russia's Alexey Molchanov, who recently surpassed Boudhiaf's variable weight record with a depth of 156 meters.
Beyond his competitive aspirations, Boudhiaf is passionate about growing the sport of freediving in Tunisia. He believes that many Tunisians are already engaging in freediving through traditional practices like spearfishing, which has deep cultural roots in the country. "Many Tunisians are already practicing it without knowing it," he noted, highlighting the long-standing traditions of sponge diving and coral collecting.
Interest in pool-based freediving is also on the rise, particularly at the Rades Olympic Complex near Tunis. Boudhiaf is motivated to provide more support and resources for aspiring freedivers, emphasizing that the sport requires minimal equipment and is accessible to all. "It isn't a sport for the wealthy," he stated, encouraging more people to explore the underwater world.
While Tunisia may not have the deep waters ideal for competitive training like Egypt, Greece, or Turkey, Boudhiaf insists that it is still a suitable location for recreational freediving. "You don't need to dive 100 meters," he explained. "At 20, 30, or 50 meters, beginners can improve and even reach an advanced level." He also highlighted the benefits of freediving for mental health, noting that breathing techniques can help manage stress and promote overall well-being.
Walid Boudhiaf's journey from a young boy by the Tunisian coast to an international freediving champion is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. As he continues to pursue records and expand the reach of freediving in Tunisia, he embodies the spirit of exploration and resilience. With his efforts, Boudhiaf hopes to inspire a new generation of freedivers.
