The Pan Pacific Pool Freediving Championship 2018

Under a full bloom of cherry blossoms, the 2018 Pan Pacific Pool Freediving Championship successfully took place, from March 21st through the 24th at the Chiba International General Swimming Center, east of Tokyo, Japan. The competition hosted 64 athletes from 14 different countries including Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, and Taiwan plus a lone Russian along with the Pacific Rim state of Hawaii for the US.

While the event boasted the capacity for World Record status, what it bore witness to was the achievement of eight new national records, across a variety of countries and a hat-trick for Kathryn Nevatt of New Zealand. Ms. Nevatt took first place in all three of the disciplines, and was happy to regain her championship title as she shared on facebook:

“Today’s medal haul: gold for statics, dynamic no fins, dynamics and overall women’s champion – regained my Pan Pacific title. Plus the NZ team placed 3rd overall. Thanks to everyone who helped me get here – you know who you are.”

Alexey Molchanov of Russia and Pierre Crubille of New Caledonia jousted back and forth for first place for the men. See the complete list of winning performances here below:

And in the overall performance by country: the top three ranking nations for the event were Japan in first with both a men’s and a women’s team, New Caledonia in second with only a men’s team and New Zealand in third for overall performances with both female & male representation.

This event, by all measures, was a terrific success; it provided a rare opportunity for freedivers in the Pacific Rim to meet athletes from around their region and the world. It is hoped that the tradition of the Pan Pacs will continue with a next iteration perhaps in New Zealand in 2020.

Photos and on-sight reporting provided by Junko Kitahama