FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Robert King Recaptures US Men’s Freediving National Record.

US Freediving is pleased to announce that Robert King set a new men’s national record in the freediving discipline of Constant Weight No Fins to a depth of 68 meters.  Rob broke the record during his performance at the Mediterranean Cup taking place in Kalamata, Greece.  This performance surpasses the previous record of 67 meters set by Grant Hogan in Grand Cayman in May of this year. 

This performance recaptures this record for Rob.  He now holds the national record for all competition depth disciplines. {http://www.usfreediving.org/freediving-comp-records.htm)  Rob began his competitive career in freediving as a member of the US Freediving Team at the AIDA Team World Championships in 2006 as a member of the US Freediving Team.  He has since become one of the most successful male freedivers in US history.

Rob states, “I would like to dedicate this record to Adel Abu Haliqa, who disappeared on a no limits training dive off Santorini, Greece on 7 June.  Adel was a friend and an active member of the international freediving community, promoting freediving education and training in his home country of Dubai (the UAE).  More importantly, Adel was devoted to his wife and children, and devout in his faith:  able to discuss differing philosophies and theologies pleasantly, he was unwavering in his own belief.  Adel and I were warming up for training dives together the day he disappeared, and each time I train in the sea, I remember Adel smiling and speaking lightheartedly just before he dived.  Adel’s kindness and commitment are dearly missed, and the freediving world is a lesser place without him.”

Rob continues, “On a lighter note, congratulations again to Grant Hogan, who set two U.S. CNF records this spring in what I believe was his first comp; very impressive.  I look forward to healthy competition with Grant in the years to come.

Finally, I would like to thank Samir Bouaoudia, freediving record holder for his native country of Algeria, and William Winram for their support while training in Sharm el Sheikh prior to this competition:  it is very much appreciated.”

Rob will be competing in the upcoming AIDA Depth Freediving World Championships taking place in Kalama, Greece.  For more information about the World Championships check out http://www.freediving-club.gr

Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) tests the freediver’s ability to swim to depth and return without the use of fins while holding their breath.  CNF is one of the most difficult disciplines in freediving.  Athletes use a modified breaststroke technique to propel themselves to depth and back. 

US Freediving is a nonprofit association founded on the democratic representation of freediving within the United States and internationally.  Founded in 2003, the USAA consists of an active membership dedicated to furthering freediving in the United States and abroad. For more information about the USAA, the U.S. National Freediving Team, and membership please visit www.usfreediving.org.

The International Association for the Development of Freediving, AIDA, is the international sanctioning body for freediving, individual and team competition, and freediving world record attempts.  For more information about AIDA please visit http://www.aidainternational.org.

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Contact Information:

Grant W. Graves, President
United States Apnea Association, USAA

3642 Seahorn Dr.
Malibu, CA 90265
Email: makog@aol.com
Phone: 310-560-6104

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