The U.S. Freediving Federation is proud to announce the athletes selected to represent the United States at the 2026 CMAS Freediving World Championships.

Athlete registration opened on December 12th and closed on January 25th, with over 50 athletes from across the country applying. The depth and diversity of talent continues to grow each year, and selection was made based on the established criteria for eligibility and competitive readiness.

From this pool, 22 athletes have been selected to represent the U.S. freediving community on the world stage.

On March 13–14, 2026, the United States freediving community marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of the nation’s first sanctioned under-ice depth freediving event. This groundbreaking achievement represents a new chapter in U.S. freediving history, opening the door for future competitions in one of the sport’s most demanding environments.

In a groundbreaking move to expand the accessibility of freediving training in the United States, StarGuard ELITE, Deep End Fitness, and U.S. Freediving Federation have joined forces to launch a nationwide initiative. This collaboration aims to create a standardized set of safety protocols and training guidelines that will allow public and private pools across the country to welcome freedivers of all skill levels.

The U.S. Freediving Federation (USFF), national governing body for the sport of freediving in the United States is proud to announce the launch of a landmark initiative aimed at expanding pool access for freedivers nationwide. Beginning in January 2026, this initiative will focus on establishing a standardized set of safety protocols, training guidelines, and a certification program to enable freedivers to train in public and private pools across the country.

On 26 July 2025, Maui hosted its first official CMAS-sanctioned static apnea competition. Held on Maui’s lush north shore, the event brought together seven athletes from across Hawai‘i for an afternoon of focus, personal bests, and record-setting attempts.

I was thrilled to receive an invitation to Vertical Blue 2025, the “Back to the Origin of Depths” edition.  William Trubridge described it as a refreshing return to the essence of freediving, with a continued commitment to marine conservation and protecting the ocean that fuels our passion.  That spirit is exactly why I began competing eleven years ago. I’ve long had a deep connection with Dean’s Blue Hole—both through my ocean acoustic research and my freediving journey. It is the most iconic freediving site in the world and the perfect setting to compete. 

It’s with great pride that we announce a historic development: Avi Kleyman has been appointed to the CMAS Freediving Commission — making him the first American to hold a seat on this global governing body.

The CMAS Freediving Commission is a 4-year appointment and plays a critical role in shaping the future of our sport. From competition standards and education to judging programs and development strategies, this group steers the direction of freediving worldwide.

The U.S. National Freediving Team delivered a remarkable performance at the 2025 CMAS World Championship Freediving Indoor, held from May 18-24 at the iconic Olympic Aquatic Centre in Athens, Greece. The event welcomed 200+ elite athletes from 40+ nations, competing across a wide range of indoor freediving disciplines.

The 2025 US National Team has been selected and we are excited for their opportunity to perform on the World stage representing the United States.