The Longest Breath Hold in Australia: Top Freediving Athletes Leading the Way

When it comes to pushing the human body to its limits, few sports rival the discipline of freediving. Static apnea—the art of holding your breath while remaining still—requires peak mental and physical endurance. In Australia, freediving has reached new heights in 2024, with male and female athletes breaking records and setting new national benchmarks. Let’s take a deep dive into the top performers and explore the incredible achievements of these record-holders in static apnea.

Australia’s Longest Breath Hold: Female Champions

1. Ekaterina Borysyuk – 6:43

Ekaterina Borysyuk currently holds the female title for the longest breath hold in Australia with an incredible 6 minutes and 43 seconds. She cemented her place at the top during the Freediving World Championships in Kaunas in June 2024. Breaking a national record is no small feat, her success is a testament to her exceptional discipline, mental fortitude, and hours of training.

2. Jenna Black – 6:25

Not far behind Ekaterina is Jenna Black, with a performance of 6 minutes and 25 seconds. Jenna also made waves at the Freediving World Championships where she, alongside Ekaterina, surpassed the previous national record that had remained untouched since 2022. These two athletes are redefining what’s possible for Australian female freedivers and showcasing Australia’s presence on the global stage. Jenna’s consistency and poise in the water in her first year of competition shows she is a force to be reckoned with now and into the future.

3. Jordy Duncan – 6:18

Rounding out the top three is Jordy Duncan, with a time of 6 minutes and 18 seconds. Known for her dedication to the sport, Jordy has been a significant presence in the freediving community for several years. Jordy’s performances continue to inspire both seasoned and beginner freedivers alike.

These three women are representing Australia in the growing sport of freediving, with their performances redefining the boundaries of breath holding endurance. With each competition, they continue to motivate a new generation of freedivers to pursue the sport.

Longest Breath Hold IN AUSTRALIA: Male Record Breakers

1. Matt Louden – 8:20

On the men’s side, Matt Louden has set the bar higher than ever, achieving an astonishing 8 minutes and 20 seconds in static apnea. Matt’s incredible breath hold took place in May 2024, His achievement demonstrates not only unmatched physical ability but also a mastery of the mental aspect of freediving—a crucial element for success in this demanding sport.

2. Anthony Judge – 8:17

Just three seconds behind is Anthony Judge, who achieved his performance of 8 minutes and 17 seconds earlier in March 2024. Anthony’s achievement was groundbreaking, breaking a national record that had been untouched since 2022, before Matt surpassed it in May. His performance marks a significant moment for Australian freediving, breaking the 8 minute mark and demonstrating that the country’s athletes are capable of matching and even exceeding international standards.

3. Troy O’Connor – 7:42

Completing the top trio is Troy O’Connor with a breath hold of 7 minutes and 42 seconds. Troy has consistently performed at an elite level, and while he currently sits behind Matt and Anthony in static apnea rankings, he continues to be a high performer in the sport. His commitment to freediving and his ability to remain composed under pressure make him part of Australia’s freediving elite.

A New Era for Australian Freediving

The recent achievements in longest breath hold performances by these top athletes signal an exciting shift in Australian freediving. In both the male and female divisions, national records that once stood firm have been shattered twice in one year, demonstrating a rapid evolution in the sport.

The growing interest in freediving competitions and record-breaking performances speaks to a larger trend—Australians are increasingly embracing freediving as both a sport and a lifestyle. With athletes like these leading the way, the future of Australian freediving looks promising.

The journey to hold the longest breath hold in Australia is not just about physical endurance—it’s a pursuit of self-mastery, patience, and mental resilience. The athletes excelling in static apnea are setting extraordinary benchmarks, inspiring others to push their limits and explore the depths of human potential. As national records continue to fall, the excitement surrounding the sport will only grow, placing Australia firmly on the map in the global freediving community.

Looking to learn more or want to start your freediving journey? Check out our Freediving Courses and join this exciting community.