Mar 9 • 02:23 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina Clarin (ES)

An Italian swam more than 100 meters under ice, without a suit and without breathing: set two new world records

Luca Casalini, an Italian swimmer, set two new world records by swimming 106 meters without a wetsuit under ice in a discipline called apnea.

Luca Casalini, a 43-year-old Italian swimmer, achieved a remarkable feat by swimming 106 meters under ice without a wetsuit, setting two new world records in the process. This event took place in Lake Anterselva, located in South Tyrol, Italy, where Casalini established records in both dynamic apnea with fins and dynamic apnea with a monofin, both requiring him to hold his breath throughout the entire distance. The accomplishment was recognized by the Confederation Mundial de Actividades Subacuáticas (CMAS), underscoring the significance of his achievement within the realm of underwater sports.

Apnea, particularly in icy waters, is a challenging discipline that not only demands physical excellence but also mental fortitude, as it requires participants to endure extreme conditions and potentially life-threatening scenarios. This achievement follows a long tradition of ice swimming, particularly prominent in Nordic countries, where athletes thrive on pushing their limits in demanding environments. Casalini's dual record-setting performance highlights the increasing popularity and allure of this sport in regions that embrace extreme aquatic activities.

Casalini expressed that this event was a childhood dream come true, reflecting on the emotions he experienced during the swim. This feat not only elevates his status as a world-class athlete but also serves as an inspirational message for sports enthusiasts everywhere, proving that passion and dedication can result in extraordinary accomplishments, even against the odds of nature's elements.

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