The freediver, 16 times world record, explains how to get closer to his world: “You need to have the strength to overcome your limits. I don’t want to live sick to die healthy”
Sixteen world records. The first man to touch the wall of 150 meters below the sea level in variable attitude no limits (with a time of 2’57 “). His name resounds in all the oceans of the globe, even if the Mediterranean remains the habitat favorite of him. Umberto Pelizzari it is, even now, the symbol of a world, that of freediving, as fascinating as it is mysterious. Today, in addition to devoting himself to the underwater fishing (“I believe it is the most environmentally friendly method of fish sampling”), manages the Apnea Academyhe works in the television world and works to improve what his life has been for many years: “I’m obviously biased: freediving is not a sport, it is a discipline. It allows you to create a special relationship with your body. It improves personal sensitivity, both mentally and physically. It gives a sense of freedom and lightness ”.
“The diver comes down to look, the freediver to look inside,” he said. What does it mean?
“Unlike scuba diving, where you have time to record videos and take photos to show your friends, freediving is pure introspection. It is hard to tell the feelings you feel: they remain in your most intimate sphere “.
Do you need a long workout before you start practicing?
“A sportsman who prepares for the Olympics has a schedule that lasts 4 years. Obviously, it takes a long time for a professional freediver. If the goal is to compete, you have to work on the athlete’s head because we are talking about a discipline in which different laws apply to other sports. For an amateur, on the other hand, the attitude of the instructor becomes fundamental “.
Which professional figures must be present in a technical staff?
“If we are talking about a high-level athlete, the nutritionist, the athletic trainer, the ENT and the mental coach are indispensable. For amateurs, on the other hand, a good instructor is needed, capable of making people understand the mistakes that are made in the water: how to move, how to compensate, how to keep your head “.
Tell me about the mental coach?
“The mental part, for a freediver, is fundamental. In my Academy the main reference is Alessandro Vergendo. Those who participate in our courses discover an incredible world thanks to him. During stressful situations you need to learn to manage your breathing correctly. Breathing and relaxation: everything revolves around these two concepts “.
What are the next steps of your Apnea Academy?
“There is great demand for courses. The real difficulty is finding an adequate number of swimming pools to welcome us. We constantly develop refresher courses for our instructors. This year we made the manual available Freediving course with all the novelties of this discipline: I am proud that an idea of 25 years ago has become a point of reference in the world of freedivers “.
How does a neophyte overcome initial fear?
“As a child, I feared water more than anything else. If I managed to win this battle, everyone can do it. Because any fear can be overcome. You need to have the strength to face it by being supported by trustworthy and competent people “.
What is the final effect?
“To understand how much you can relax in the water, to feel personal well-being. The more you feel good sensations, the more the will to overcome your limit increases. The fundamental rule, I will never stop repeating it, is to be helped by professionals to better prepare “.
Is there proper nutrition management in this sport?
“In my philosophy, eating must be a pleasure. I have never done diets and have always obtained excellent results. Of course, I’m a teetotaler and I don’t smoke. But I don’t think it’s right to live sick to die healthy. My advice is never to overdo it and vary a lot the type of food “.
August 18, 2022 (change August 18, 2022 | 09:23)
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