The line between success and failure is a fine one – something the freediver Will Trubridge knows only too well. He has notched up 15 world records during his career. But yesterday, he did not manage to add another to his tally.
His attempt to reach 102 m in the completely unassisted discipline of CNF – where divers descend and ascend without fins or any other aids – was not successful. He reached his target depth but got into trouble near the surface and signalled for help to make the last few meters and was helped to the top by the safety divers.
Watch the epic video of his performance here:
Speaking afterwards Will said: “There's definitely disappointment about not reaching the goal I set myself. I prepared a lot for this dive and I feel like everything went well. In the freefall I was feeling good but just today, I just wasn't quite capable.
Though I'm disappointed not to achieve the goal, there is some content in the fact that I gave it my utmost best shot. And so much of my motivation to pull out all the stops in this attempt today came from the numerous messages of support that I have been receiving in the lead up.
I'm definitely going to attempt this again. This was just a plot twist. I will probably have another crack in the Spring.”