2024 has been a pivotal year for AIDA, marked by progress and collaboration within the global freediving community. This success is the result of the collective efforts of athletes, judges, organizers, volunteers, and the AIDA leadership team.

At the helm, AIDA President Sasa Jeremic, who began her term in January, has brought fresh energy and focus to the organization. Her commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and growth has set a strong foundation for AIDA`s future.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sasa and everyone who contributed to making 2024 a transformative year for AIDA and the sport of freediving. Your dedication continues to advance the sport and strengthen the bonds within our global community.

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment and reflect on the progress and milestones of the global freediving community this year.

From record-breaking performances to groundbreaking initiatives, here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together:

Highlights of 2024

Freediving Achievements

This year, freedivers achieved 5 World Records, 35 Continental Records, and an impressive 493 National Records. A total of 340 AIDA competitions took place this year across 48 countries, with  232 Pool events, 12 Mixed & Team events, 94 Depth events and 2 World Championships.

A special acknowledgment goes to the two athletes who topped the AIDA Overall Rankings for Pool and Depth combined in 2024. These rankings represent the best performances across all eight AIDA freediving disciplines.

• Enchante Gallardo (United States) with 668.8 points
• Mitch Ayres (Australia) with 729.9 points

Starting in 2025, AIDA will introduce end-of-year prizes to honor this remarkable achievement, further recognizing the athletes who continue to set new standards in freediving. Stay tuned for more details!
 

World Championships

Both AIDA World Championships this year showcased not only exceptional performances but also the spirit of fair play, with 24+ clean doping tests reinforcing our commitment to integrity in sport.

Relive the best moments of the 2024 AIDA Pool World Championship and the 2024 AIDA Depth World Championship now on our YouTube channel.

Advancing Knowledge and Safety

• International Conference on Medicine, Science and Safety in Freediving, Dahab: Leading experts gathered to share research on freediving medicine and safety. Topics included DCS prevention, doping awareness, and new safety practices.

  Recordings of selected lectures are available on our YouTube Channel, and the next conference is already being planned as you`re reading these lines.

• Anti-Doping Initiative:
  In the first half of 2024, a new anti-doping page was published with detailed information on all topics related to anti-doping, and AIDA held a series of Antidoping Seminars. The episode on Therapeutical Use Exemption (TUE) is available to watch here.

  Additionally, we just received the fantastic news that AIDA’s project “Misuse of Benzodiazepines in Freediving Competitions” has been approved for funding by WADA. This marks another significant step toward ensuring fair and safe competition.

Community Expansion

• Certifications: Over 60.000 certifications were issued to students and instructors worldwide, plus more than 600 new safety certifications.
• New Nationals: Welcome to Costa Rica, Iran, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, South Africa, Slovakia and Turkiye, which officially joined the AIDA family this year, and congratulations to Lithuania who moved from observing to full member. 

 
Thank you 2024, for having been such a wonderful year for our sport!

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we close the chapter on 2024, the horizon for 2025 is already filled with anticipation.

The 20th anniversary of individual AIDA Freediving World Championships will bring athletes together in Wakayama, Japan, in June for the AIDA Pool World Championship, and in Limassol, Cyprus, in September for the AIDA Depth World Championship.

These landmark events will honor two decades of progress while showcasing the talent, sportsmanship, and dedication that define freediving.

Beyond these events, 2025 promises continued innovation and inclusivity in our sport.

With the launch of end-of-year prizes for AIDA Overall Rankings, a strengthened focus on research and safety through initiatives like the WADA-supported benzodiazepine study, and the anticipated addition of new Nationals, AIDA is committed to advancing freediving on a global scale.

Stay connected as we embark on another exciting year, continuing to shape the future of freediving together.