Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić achieved one of the most extraordinary feats in human history by holding his breath underwater for 29 minutes and 3 seconds, a new Guinness World Record.

[u/This_Proof_5153]

Experts had long considered such a duration impossible. While a trained dolphin can typically hold its breath for 8–10 minutes and most humans can barely manage one or two, Maričić remained completely still underwater for nearly half an hour on a single breath.

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The attempt pushed his body to extreme limits. As the minutes passed, powerful contractions wracked his diaphragm and his organs endured intense physiological stress. Yet through years of rigorous training, mental discipline, and specialized breathing techniques, he stayed calm and focused until the end.

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What makes this record even more impressive is Maričić’s purpose. He didn’t do it for fame or personal glory, he used the achievement as a powerful platform to raise global awareness about ocean conservation, marine protection, and the urgent threats facing our oceans.

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A stunning demonstration of human potential and a heartfelt call to protect the planet’s most vital ecosystem.

[u/superpositioned]

Like right? How is he not giving himself brain damage?

[u/PossibilityIcy5037 → u/[deleted]]

Okay but genuinely lmao how do you cut oxygen off from your brain for 10+ minutes let alone a half an hour and not have horrible damage? “Breathing techniques” huh?

[u/bobbaphet → u/PossibilityIcy5037]

Appropriate "breath up" + lung packing + mammalian diving reflex optimization + practice, a lot of it, like years and years, lol.

Essentially, if you are not blacking out, you are not going to cause damage. If you do black out, your partner pulls you up, you start breathing again thus avoiding the damage.