David Vencl (CZE)

Freediver

 

 

David is the holder of this year's world record in freediving, having dived 52 meters below the ice on Lake Sils in Switzerland. He thus became the first person in the world to attempt such a feat.

 

 

He has been involved in the sport since he was a young boy. David studied physical education and mathematics and taught these subjects in primary school. Since 2015, he has been freediving competitively, i.e., diving without equipment. Later, he took up cold water swimming and now combines and uses these disciplines for self-development. He likes to inspire and motivate others, which is why he works as a freediving, cold water swimming and breathing instructor.
In 2021, David became the world record holder for the longest swim under ice with breath held wearing only a swimsuit and goggles. Wim Hof was the first to set this record and prior to David, only Stig Severinsen had officially broken it.
He loves to move and explore himself, and freediving and cold water swimming are great tools for this, since you need a high level of concentration and focus, the ability to adapt to extreme conditions and a constant desire to outdo yourself for both of these disciplines.