Seychellois freediver aims for national records at international competition in Egypt |16 July 2025

Seychellois freediver aims for national records at international competition in Egypt

Seychellois freediver and founder of Freediving Seychelles, Sophie Walsh, is currently training in Dahab, Egypt in preparation for an international freediving competition set to take place between July 21-23 in Sharm El Sheikh.

Organised by Freediving World, the AIDA-sanctioned event will see Sophie representing Seychelles on an

international stage, competing in two elite disciplines, precisely free immersion (FIM) and constant

weight bi-fins (CWTB).

This marks a historic moment for Seychelles as Sophie prepares to set official national records in both disciplines.

After a month-long intensive training block in Dahab, known globally for its deep diving conditions, Sophie will travel to Sharm El Sheikh to continue training with expert safety teams before taking the plunge during the three-day competition.

“Freediving is as much about mental clarity and control as it is about physical performance,” says

“I’m proud to represent Seychelles and hope this inspires others back home, especially the

youth, to explore this beautiful sport and connect with the ocean in a deeper way,” she added.

Freediving – diving deep on a single breath – is a rapidly growing sport that combines technique, breath work, mental strength, and a profound connection with the underwater world. It is not only physically demanding but mentally transformative.

This journey would not have been possible without the generous support of local sponsors who have backed this record attempt. They are Le Chantier Dental Clinic, Reliance Cars, Equinoxe Diving Centre, Zil Lokal, Freediving London, Eden Fishing Specialist, Freediving Seychelles, Dolly Tirant, Semi Sub Seychelles, Info Health, and Socomep.

Contributed