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David Trubridge of Havelock North knows his son William risks his life every time he attempts a record-breaking dive but has never wished he would just get a desk job.
"We get a bit worried because he's pushing his absolute limits but everything has its dangers and we try to concentrate on the good side," the artist said. "We're happy that he's doing what he wants to do, and doing it well."
Mr Trubridge said William was buzzing when he talked to him on Sunday after the first of his record successes. "He was very pleased and relieved he got back the world record but it's an ongoing thing. The next day he challenged it to push it down another metre but didn't achieve it."
Mr Trubridge said the 28-year-old former geneticist, who took up freediving five years ago, developed a taste for it during childhood.
"He and his brother, Sam, used to have competitions to see who could swim further down."
Mr Trubridge attributed his son's success to his understanding of the body. His mother, Linda, a yoga teacher, taught him deep-breathing techniques.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
