UPI – Australian freediver Amber Bourke has achieved an extraordinary milestone by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest underwater walk (female).
With a single breath, the 35-year-old traversed an incredible 370 feet and two inches along the bottom of a pool, breaking both her personal best of 334 feet and seven inches and the previous Guinness World Record of 357 feet and seven inches.
Bourke, who has been involved in freediving for over a decade, undertook weeks of meticulous preparation to accomplish the feat. Her training regimen included rigorous pool sessions to perfect her underwater technique, as well as dryland exercises to build lung capacity and mental endurance. This dedication not only allowed her to surpass the existing record but also pushed the limits of her own physical and mental capabilities.
Speaking to Guinness World Records, Bourke described the dual motivations behind her attempt. “I wanted to do this both for my own sense of achievement – it has always been a dream of mine to hold a Guinness World Records title – and also to raise money for the Australian Marine Conservation Society in the process,” she said. Her effort aims to spotlight the importance of marine conservation and inspire others to protect Australia’s underwater ecosystems.
The record-breaking walk required a precise technique. Bourke bent her torso at a 90-degree angle, adopting a swimming-like posture with her feet firmly planted on the pool floor. This approach minimised drag and allowed her to maximise the distance covered while conserving her limited oxygen supply.
This latest achievement adds to Bourke’s already impressive resume in the freediving world. She holds 17 Australian freediving records and an International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA) world record for swimming underwater. Her accomplishments reflect years of dedication and a deep passion for the sport.
Bourke’s achievement has resonated widely within the freediving community, drawing praise for its technical precision and purpose-driven execution. The record, however, is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to her commitment to environmental advocacy. By raising funds for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Bourke hopes to contribute to the preservation of marine biodiversity and inspire others to take action.
