2017 Authentic Big Blue Competition, Amorgos Greece
With the upcoming 2018 CMAS World Championships in October, we will be profiling each of the members of 2018 Team America. Enjoy their stories. Get to know them, and we hope that you find a nugget of inspiration from their story.
KERRY HOLLOWELL
How long you’ve been freediving?
I have been freediving since 2011.
What, or who, inspired you to freedive?
I began freediving by taking a class with Evolve freediving in Wilmington, NC because I could not equalize my ears. During that class, and given that I could hold my breath for 5:30, the teachers encouraged me to compete in the Deja blue competition in Cayman with PFI. During that first competition, I fell in love with not only the act of freediving but also the community of people who practice the sport. Since that time, I have traveled the world freediving, and have met many interesting people along the way and have pushed my mental and physical boundaries beyond what I ever thought possible. I continue to this day to learn about myself and grow through the challenges I face and overcome in the water.
Why do you freedive, and what has it done for you?
The introduction of freediving into my life caused a very positive life shift. It has helped me become much more comfortable with all aspects of life and has helped me learn to push my self-imposed boundaries to the side and explore what it is I am capable of achieving.
What are your future freediving goals?
My goals are very general. Sure, I would like to achieve a national record someday but more importantly for me is to continue to challenge myself outside my comfort zone.
What is your profession and other hobbies?
I am an emergency medicine physician living in North Carolina. I am also working on my yacht master offshore as another passion of mine is sailing.
What advice about freediving would you like to offer readers?
Freediving is a sport that anyone can do. There is no age limit. There is no depth that you must achieve. It is a personal journey that can change your life in many positive ways and at the same time open you up to a majestic undersea world to explore.
