Hawke's Bay global freediving champ William Trubridge's world-record bid for Ukraine

Former Hawke's Bay boy William Trubridge is a multiple world record holder in freediving, and is aiming to add another while fundraising to support Ukraine. Photo / Howard Holtzman

Former Hawke's Bay local and 18-time freediving world record holder William Trubridge has made a bid for a new record to fundraise for Ukraine.

In the Bahamas on Friday morning he swam 121 underwater laps of a 25m swimming pool and has raised just over $9000 for food and supplies to support Ukraine.

He clarified the rules imposed for himself in this challenge on the donation page.

"All laps will be without breathing or propulsive assistance, according to the freediving rules of 'dynamic apnea no fins'. This type of swimming is part of my freediving training for depth world records, but I have never attempted to see how far I can go in one hour."

Between each lap he would briefly surface for some breath before continuing.

Trubridge was able to achieve 121 underwater laps of a 25m swimming pool, or more than 3km, in an hour for charity and a possible world record. Photo / Howard Holtzman

His attempt was livestreamed.

He said in the livestream his most ambitious goal for the attempt was 120 and he was exhausted following it.

"My head is still spinning a bit, that was intense."

He thanked donors for their support.

"Thank you for helping my brothers and sisters in Ukraine when they need it most."

The donation page for the cause is at: https://pledgeit.org/an-hour-for-ukraine