What Happened to the Freediver Alessia Zecchini?

Alessia Zecchini, a freediving star from Italy, has set 35 world records and won 17 gold medals. Her story is both amazing and sad, especially the tragedy in the Blue Hole of Egypt. The Netflix documentary, “The Deepest Breath,” shows her incredible journey and the tough times she faced.

Her story took a tragic turn when her safety diver, Stephen Keenan, died in a dive. This happened in the Blue Hole, an underwater arch 180 feet deep. Zecchini was left with great sadness and many questions. Yet, she keeps promoting the sport and warning about its dangers. “The Deepest Breath” gives us a close look at her life and the risks of freediving.

Early Life and Career of Alessia Zecchini

Alessia Zecchini was born on June 30, 1992, in Rome, Italy. She fell in love with freediving early on, inspired by Natalia Molchanova. She couldn’t compete until she was 18, but her passion didn’t fade. She started federal apnea courses early, paving the way for her career.

Early Devotion to Freediving

Alessia Zecchini’s love for freediving grew from watching legends like Natalia Molchanova. She joined Dive Free Roma and Nuoto Belle Arti, starting her journey. Her hard work and training led her to the Italian national freediving team.

Achievements and Records

Alessia Zecchini’s career shows her incredible talent and hard work. She broke 38 world records, becoming a freediving icon. She won 16 gold, five silver, and two bronze medals at the World Championships.

She also got three gold, six silver, and one bronze at the European Championships. In 2013, she set a world record by diving to −81 meters. Her journey continued in 2018 at the Vertical Blue competition, where she broke four world records.

She made history in Roatan 2019 by diving to −113 meters in Constant Weight with Monofin. In 2019, she became the first woman to dive to −100 meters with her arms only.

In July 2021, Zecchini set three CMAS World Records at the Vertical Blue competition. She excelled in Constant Weight, Constant Weight Without Fins, and Free Immersion.

Zecchini joined the Apnea Academy in 2014, founded by Umberto Pelizzari. She also starred in “The Deepest Breath,” a documentary about her freediving journey.

The Tragic Incident at The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole tragedy with Alessia Zecchini and Stephen Keenan shows the dangers of freediving. This spot in Egypt is known for its tough underwater tunnel dive. Sadly, it has seen about 200 deaths in recent years.

Alessia Zecchini tried to cross an underwater tunnel at the Blue Hole. She was with a skilled safety diver, Stephen Keenan. But things went wrong. Zecchini got lost looking for the rope to go back up.

Keenan, an expert in the Blue Hole, tried to help Zecchini from 50 meters down. Sadly, he also died trying. This shows how risky diving in the Blue Hole can be. It highlights the need for strict safety rules.

This sad event at the Blue Hole in Dahab teaches us a lot about safety in freediving. It’s crucial to be well-trained and certified before diving into deep waters.

The danger of underwater tunnel dives is real. Without respect for the ocean and proper preparation, diving can end in tragedy, as we’ve seen with Alessia Zecchini and Stephen Keenan.

How Can We Learn From Alessia Zecchini’s Freediving Incident?

Freediving is a sport that requires a deep understanding of its beauty and dangers. The tragic incident with Alessia Zecchini shows how important freediving safety and proper training are. It’s crucial to follow safety rules strictly to avoid risks. Despite the dangers, freediving has led to many amazing achievements.

Understanding The Dangers of Freediving

Freediving is risky, as seen with Zecchini’s incident. Stars like Natalia Molchanova and Arnaud Jerald have pushed human limits, setting records. Yet, risks like syncopes are part of the sport. Alenka Artnik and Sara Campbell’s records highlight the mental and physical strength needed.

Ensure Proper Freediving Training & Follow Safety Rules

Proper freediving training is key. PADI freediving certification is a top standard. In places like Nusa Penida, choosing PADI centers like the Nusa Penida Dive Center is wise. They have a 5-star rating and over 560 positive reviews.

Freedive with Professional Organizations like Deep Week Bali

Joining events by Deep Week Bali boosts safety. These programs focus on strict training and best practices. Deep Week Bali is known for its safe teaching methods, making it great for new and experienced freedivers.

Working with professional training and groups, like Deep Week Bali and PADI, keeps freediving safe and fun. Staying educated and following safety rules is key to preventing incidents and ensuring a safe environment.

Where is Alessia Zecchini Now?

Alessia Zecchini is still a top name in freediving, known as the “deepest woman in the world.” She set a record of -117m at the Vertical Blue championship and has 35 world records. Her hard work has earned her 17 world gold medals.

She dreams of making freediving an Olympic sport. This shows her dedication to the sport and her wish to make it more popular worldwide. Zecchini is called the “Queen of the Abyss” and honors the memory of Stephen Keenan. She also highlights the deep connection among freediving instructors.

Alessia & Freediving FAQ

What happened to the freediver Alessia Zecchini?

Alessia Zecchini, a freediving star, had a tragic event while diving in The Blue Hole of Egypt. This was shown in the Netflix documentary “The Deepest Breath”. She tried an underwater tunnel that led to the loss of her safety diver, Stephen Keenan. This incident showed the dangers of freediving.

How did Alessia Zecchini’s early devotion to freediving begin?

Alessia Zecchini started loving freediving as a kid, inspired by Natalia Molchanova. She couldn’t compete until she was 18, but she never gave up. She took federal apnea courses and worked hard to become a top freediver.

What are some of Alessia Zecchini’s achievements and records?

Alessia Zecchini made history by being the first woman to dive to -100m with her arms only. She holds many world and Italian records, and has won national gold medals. Her hard work made her a star in the freediving world.

What lessons can we learn from the tragic incident at The Blue Hole?

The incident at The Blue Hole shows how crucial safety is in freediving. Freedivers must know the dangers and follow safety rules. Getting proper training and advice is key to staying safe.

How important is proper training for freedivers?

Proper training is vital for freedivers to stay safe. Courses like PADI freediving certification teach the best ways to dive. Places like Nusa Penida, a world class freediving spot offer expert PADI IDC Training to improve skills and ensure the safety of divers.

Why should freedivers dive with professional organizations like Deep Week in Bali?

Diving with groups like Deep Week in Bali means following strict safety rules and getting great training. These groups promote safe diving and offer a place to learn and practice.

Where is Alessia Zecchini now and what is her current status?

Alessia Zecchini is still making waves in freediving. She’s known as the “deepest woman in the world” for diving to -117m at the Vertical Blue competition. With 35 world records and 17 gold medals, she pushes for freediving to be in the Olympics. She also honors Stephen Keenan’s memory.