🌍 CMAS Outdoor World Freediving Championships 2025: The show must go on?

(Sportalsub.net)
Leer en Español

The freediving world has been rocked once again by an event that has called into question the safety of athletes and the continuity of high-level competitions. A recent incident, reported by the friendly website DeeperBlue.com, has sparked a crucial debate: to what extent does the desire to break records justify the risks? And is it time to stop the World Underwater Federation (CMAS) Deep Diving World Championships, taking place in Greece from September 9 to 17?

This serious incident involves Russian freediver Andrey Matveenko. On September 6, during one of the event’s official training sessions, Matveenko suffered a critical medical emergency that required immediate transfer to a hospital. Although the exact details of his condition have not been revealed, the fact that an experienced athlete faced such a situation underscores the dangers inherent in deep diving. The freediving community has been on tenterhooks, awaiting news of his recovery, as the incident serves as a wake-up call about the fragility of the human body under extreme pressure.

Original article:
Russian Freediver Andrey Matveenko Suffers Serious Medical Emergency at CMAS World Championships

In the wake of this event, a second article from DeeperBlue.com reveals a wave of competition withdrawals. Several athletes, including well-known names in the sport, have decided not to continue in the CMAS World Championships. This decision, far from being a simple withdrawal, appears to be a statement of protest and concern. The athletes cite the lack of adequate safety measures and the perception that the organization is not prioritizing the well-being of the competitors. It is a courageous stand that puts physical integrity before competitive glory, and it sends a strong message to the organizers and the freediving world at large.

Original article:
6 Athletes Withdraw From CMAS World Championships Following Medical Emergency

These events force us to reflect on the very nature of extreme sports. Freediving, in its pursuit of human limits, has always carried risk. However, where is the line drawn? Andrey Matveenko’s health and his teammates’ protests raise an urgent and difficult-to-ignore question: Is it ethical to continue a championship when the safety of the athletes is at stake? Should the CMAS World Championships be halted, at least temporarily, to reevaluate protocols and ensure that the pursuit of records doesn’t cost lives?

The answer isn’t simple, but the conversation has begun, and the future of freediving as a professional sport could depend on how this crucial debate is addressed.

Last Updated on September 13, 2025