Swimming is a classic summer pastime that can be both invigorating and relaxing. However, there are some who take their underwater efforts to the extreme. Just take Budimir Šobat, for example. In March 2021, the Croatian freediver, who was 56 years old at the time, set a Guinness World Record after holding his breath for an incredible 24 minutes and 37.36 seconds. “While I am doing my maximum static apnea [a breath-holding technique], I have my eyes closed and all I am focused on is to try to hear my heartbeat,” the diver said. “Once I heard it, I became calm and ready to fight the time.”
