Who Holds the Breath-Holding Record
The official static apnea world record is held by professional freediver Budimir Šobat. In March 2022, he held his breath for 24 minutes and 37.36 seconds, as verified by Guinness World Records. The record was set in a controlled indoor environment with pure oxygen pre-breathing.
How Breath-Holding Records Are Measured
Competitive breath-holding is measured in two main disciplines. Static apnea means staying still while holding your breath after a full inhalation. Dynamic apnea involves swimming underwater on a single breath. Judges use timers, oxygen monitors, and safety divers during official attempts.
Training Methods and Safety Risks
Trained freedivers use techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation to extend breath time. They also practice equalization to handle pressure changes underwater. However, prolonged breath-holding can cause hypoxia, loss of consciousness, and drowning, which is why attempts are supervised by trained professionals.
For more details on freediving records and safety standards, see the official Guinness World Records page on breath-holding.
