iron lungs
Alicante hosts a remarkable figure in freediving, a discipline that tests the limits of breath and body. At 55, he remains a steadfast benchmark in the sport, pushing past deep thresholds with fins as his only propulsion. He recently served as the reigning champion of Spain and holds the national record in dynamic apnea with monofin. His current schedule includes participation in the freediving world championship taking place in Kuwait from May 7 to 15.
In the most demanding dynamic apnea event with bifins, the athlete secured the gold medal in the masters category for the Spanish delegation, covering an impressive distance of 203 meters. He is widely regarded as one of the best in this specialty and is now competing in the dynamic monofin apnea test in hopes of adding another world-class record to his career, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s elite in this field.
In recent editions, AIDA has highlighted this sport’s record progression. During the indoor world championship held in Istanbul, the athlete broke the Spanish record with 231 meters. In the same event, he achieved the world’s eighth-best record with a monofin and ranked 13th globally with bifins, reaching 201 meters.
CMAS, the World Underwater Activities Federation, organizes this tournament, which also features a Master category for athletes over 50. The journey toward becoming a leading global expert with a monofin — an achievement he attained with a podium finish in Istanbul in 2022 — continues with hopes of further medals in the double-track and monotrack events. The plan for Friday is to compete again in the monotrack test, aiming for another podium finish for the national team. The profile of this athlete includes a background as a technical architect and a record of multiple championships within the Valencian Community Federation, along with national titles in static apnea and high placements in European competitions.
Ignacio Peral has emerged as a standout name in apnea circles. His journey began in spearfishing during childhood, evolving into elite-level competition by 2017 in both static and dynamic apnea. Between 2019 and 2022, he was recognized as a top performer by regional and national sports authorities, reflecting sustained excellence across multiple disciplines within apnea sports.
This veteran from Alicante has advanced through rigorous preparation and strict oversight, maintaining peak fitness well into his mid-fifties. Although he began this sport later than some peers, his trajectory has established him as a national reference point and a respected figure on the world stage. His career demonstrates that dedication and discipline can redefine what is possible in apnea disciplines.
In competition, absolute control is essential. Judges monitor every movement, as apnea is inherently dangerous due to potential hypoxic exposure that can lead to serious brain injury if mismanaged. Athletes must demonstrate clear recovery signs and composure once the breath-hold ends, ensuring safety and adherence to competitive rules. This emphasis on safety underscores the seriousness of the sport and the high level of training required to perform at the top level.
Around the world, aspirants study the same principles: precise breath management, calm mental state, and efficient finning technique. The path to elite status in apnea weaves together endurance, technique, and an unyielding commitment to safety, with regional federations supporting athletes through national programs and international competitions. The current season highlights how regional talent can rise to global prominence, illustrating the sport’s depth and the dedication of those who pursue it.