Editorial: Freediver won't be alone

William Trubridge will attempt to break his own freediving record

There is something noble and pioneering about the sport of freediving.

Mavericks and free spirits pushing their minds and bodies to the edge of human endurance and beyond while the rest of us stay within our comfort zones.

It is a solitary sport which requires much courage and determination to push through into dark unknown depths.

These are two qualities that former Havelock North High School student and current world-record freediver William Trubridge has in abundance and he will need them tomorrow morning when he attempts to break his own current record of 101 metres for an unassisted freedive.

Clearly the sport holds a magical appeal for Trubridge who has said: "The fact we're completely immersed in liquid; a single breath, the weightlessness, the absence of sounds, the dullness of the colours ... everything is subtracted."

While he will be in his own world as he plunges the depths, the good news is that we will be able to watch him do it. You see, Steinlager Pure has been supporting Trubridge this year and will broadcast the attempt at 8am tomorrow on TV One.

Some may say that such a sponsorship takes away from the artistry and purity (no pun intended) of the sport, but I am of the opinion that if this is what it takes to bring Trubridge's heroic deeds into the spotlight then so be it. This man has toiled tirelessly at his art and it is only fair that he is rewarded for that with sponsorship and exposure. Quite a clever connection on Steinlager's part too.

I am sure ratings will go through the roof as many Kiwis will ensure they are glued to their TVs watching an artist at work.

Do what you do best, William, and make us proud.