Five athletes with the United States Freediving Federation (USFF) made history at the 2018 World Freediving Championships as they earned a bronze medal and set new national records, marking a first-time U.S. appearance at the international competition.

Kaş, Turkey, September 25, 2018: The United States Freediving Federation (USFF) will make history this October as Team America travels to Kaş, Turkey and competes in the CMAS Freediving World Championships, marking the first ever U.S. appearance at this Olympic-style event.

KAILUA-KONA — Despite the threat of Hurricane Lane, the Hawaii Cup of Freediving, hosted by the United States Freediving Federation, took place over the weekend at Honaunau Bay with little to no effect from the wind or rain. The Hawaii Cup kicked off on Friday at the Aloha Theatre with the U.S. premiere of “Dolphin Man,” a movie that explores the legacy of Jacques Mayol, a writer, sea researcher and famous free diver who held a dozen world records. He was the first man to dive to 100 meters.

The United States Freediving Federation is bringing the first World Underwater Federation (CMAS) sanctioned competition to U.S. waters this weekend when Honaunau Bay plays host to the Hawaii Cup of Freediving. Taking place Friday through Monday, the USFF championship event will draw freedivers from around the state, California and Florida. It will also feature two members of Team America Freediving, including Kailua-Kona resident Kristin Kuba.

Legendary freediver Jacques Mayol could dive hundreds of feet in one, single breath and was fascinated with dolphins and the mysteries of life under the ocean. His life was the inspiration behind the 1988 French cult film “The Big Blue” and now his legacy continues to live on as the subject of the documentary “Dolphin Man.”