World’s best free diver, Natalia Molchanova, presumed dead at sea

NYTimes

Free Diver Natalia Molchanova Descends for Fun, Then Vanishes

By ADAM SKOLNICKAUG. 4, 2015

With clear skies and a light breeze on the Balearic Sea, off the eastern coast of Spain, Ms. Molchanova attached a neck weight — a pound or two, at most — that would help her descend. Then she dipped into the water to begin what divers call breathing up. A lower heart rate enables divers to use precious oxygen more efficiently. To relax deeply, Ms. Molchanova would inhale for a few seconds, then exhale twice as long and twice as deep.

Those may have been among Ms. Molchanova’s last breaths. She then proceeded to attempt a recreational dive to a depth that was modest for her, and she never resurfaced. After two days of intense search efforts, Alexey Molchanov said Tuesday afternoon that his mother, 53, was not expected to be found alive.

…

‘Ms. Molchanova was first a competitive swimmer in Russia before leaving the sport to have a family. After picking up free diving about 20 years later, she went on to set 41 world records and claim 23 world championship titles.

Free diving includes three pool disciplines: static apnea, in which a diver goes face down in a pool and floats holding his or her breath as long as possible (Ms. Molchanova’s world record is 9 minutes 2 seconds); dynamic, in which a diver swims as many pool lengths as possible underwater on one breath with a monofin (her record is 237 meters, or about 778 feet); and dynamic no fins, in which a diver does the same thing using a breaststroke (her record is 182 meters, or almost 600 feet).

For Ms. Molchanova and Mr. Molchanov, who is also a competitive diver, the pool has always been a mere training ground. They prefer to go deep. “Compared to the ocean,” she once said, “the pool is like running on a treadmill versus running in the forest.” ‘

Whole article: http://nyti.ms/1KO2YkJ