If you thought age was an impediment to diving, think again. Ray Woolley turned 95 on August 28th and then plunged to a depth of 40.6m/130ft for 44 minutes to break his world record as the oldest male scuba diver.
The dive took place in Cyprus on the wreck of the Zenobia.
The achievement is the second time Woolley has broken the record. He set the previous mark the year before when he was a 94-year-old with a dive to 38.1m/125ft for 41 minutes. The previous record also took place in Cyprus where Woolley lives.
The nonagenarian stated after the dive:
“We did it…I feel great. It’s lovely to break my record again and I hope if I can keep fit I will break it again next year with all of you.”
Woolley has led an active life and has been an active diver for 58 years. During World War II he served as a radio operator. Commenting on his motivation to dive when other people of a similar age are happier with a much more relaxed lifestyle he stated:
“I am trying to prove to myself, and I hope to other people, that exercise, especially when you are getting to around my age, is most important to do.”
(Photo credit: BSAC)
