Martinborough freediver eyes world record

Martinborough freediver Kathryn Nevatt is planning a world record attempt at the Genesis Recreation Centre pool in Masterton in early November.

Nevatt, 33, wants to beat the world record of 160m held by Russian Natalia Molchanova in the discipline of Dynamic without fins, something she achieved unofficially at the national indoor freediving competition held in the Te Rauparaha Arena Aquatic Centre in Porirua last month.

Then Nevatt managed a distance of 163m but, with no international A level judge in attendance and a doping test not carried out, her effort was noted by the sport's international body as a world's best, but not a world record.

Nevatt's Porirua effort saw her hold her breath under water for a remarkable 3 minutes 1 second while completing six-and-a-half lengths of a 25m pool and she is "pretty hopeful" of at least repeating that performance in Masterton.

"I know it all comes down to what happens on the day but it's nice to know I've already proved I can do it, that helps the confidence."

Nevatt describes the Masterton pool as "fantastic" for freediving. She does much of her training there and sees it as providing the perfect environment for a world record attempt.

"The pool is great and the support I've had from staff and the general community has been wonderful too ... I honestly can't think of a better place to have this happen."

Nevatt is also keen to use her world record attempt to lift the profile of freediving in the Wairarapa region by the staging of coaching sessions for beginners and talking to any organisations interested in hearing about the mental and physical benefits of the sport. "I don't want this to be all about me, it's a huge chance to show and tell people the advantages it can have on their health and well-being."

The only possible stumbling block to Nevatt's plans concerns finances but she has already had a pleasing response from the Masterton District Council and Trust House in that respect and is hopeful other funding agencies will also come on board.

All told the cost is expected to be about $7000 with the major portion of that involving bringing overseas officials with the necessary qualifications to Masterton to give full credence to the setting of a world record.