Venita Gomes
Meet Goan freediving athlete, Mario Fernandes, who has put India on the global freediving map.
Mario Fernandes has won 4 national records for India in Israel with AIDA. In the constant weight bi-fins (CWTB) his record time is 45 m.
In the 'free immersion (FIM)' discipline, his record time is 40m; in 'dynamic with bi-fins (DYNB)' it is 86 m and in 'static Apnea (STA)' it is 4 minutes, 29 seconds. Mario's personal and best freediving time was 7 minutes when he was training. It was the longest time he was able to hold his breath.
CWTB is a competitive freediving discipline wherein the freediver wears a pair of bi-fins (or stereo, as opposed to a monofin) to descend along the line with or without the use of his arms.
Freediving is one of the most dangerous sports as it involves diving on a single breath to the depths of the ocean without any breathing apparatus.
He also cherishes his time in Goa as he enjoyed growing up with oceans in his backyard.
In spite of the risks involved, Mario finds freediving not just relaxing but therapeutic. He says, "When you emerge, it's like you are born again."