Croatian freediving sensation Mirela Kardašević delivered an outstanding performance at the World Pool Freediving Championships in Athens, where she won two gold medals and set a new world record in the dynamic with monofin discipline. The event featured 275 athletes from more than 40 countries, making it one of the most competitive competitions in the freediving calendar.
Kardašević encountered a setback on the first day, finishing fourth in the no-fins discipline due to a technical error during her preparation. A miscalculation with her weights resulted in early fatigue, forcing her to end her dive significantly shorter than her personal best.
The Croatian champion made an impressive comeback the next day. Competing in the dynamic with bifins discipline, she executed a powerful 263-meter dive, earning her first gold medal of the tournament. This performance was just half a meter short of the world record and represented a significant improvement from last year, when she won silver in the same event.
After two days of rest, Kardašević returned for her strongest event—dynamic with monofin—and made history. She achieved a remarkable 284-meter dive, setting a new world record and surpassing her own previous record of 282 meters established in 2023.
“The new season has begun exceptionally well,” Kardašević remarked. “After participating in two smaller competitions, the World Championships served as a true test of my abilities. I secured two gold medals and set a new world record. Despite facing a setback on the first day, I remained focused and found the motivation to push through. This competition was incredibly challenging, with tough competitors, making it my most successful performance to date.”
She also expressed her gratitude to the Croatian Olympic Committee for their ongoing support, as well as to her coach Ivan Drviš, the DPS Zagreb club, and the ŠRC Sisak sports center.
Croatia's achievements continued, with Hrvoje Škorić delivering an impressive performance in the men’s dynamic with bifins event, diving 278 meters to finish fourth, just missing the podium.
In the masters category, Sandra Žuvela distinguished herself by winning two silver medals in the 2×50 m and 4×50 m speed apnea events.
The impressive performance of the Croatian national team in Athens highlights their significant presence in the world of freediving, with their next major challenge set for the World Games in August.
