The World Apnea 2026 Pool Freediving Championships opened in Budapest with a world record. Poland’s Magdalena Solich-Talanda swam 270 metres (886 feet) on a single breath to win Dynamic Bi-Fins (DYNB) at the Duna Arena.
DYNB is a pool discipline. Freedivers cover the longest possible distance underwater on one breath, using two fins and a flutter kick.
Her swim beat the previous world record by 11 metres (36 feet). Hungary’s Zsófia Töröcsik set the old mark of 259 metres (850 feet) in 2025. The new record is pending ratification.
The result adds to one of the deepest medal collections in the sport. Solich-Talanda has held world records across the dynamic disciplines since 2016.
A Fast Start In The Pool
The women led the way on day one. Several continental records fell before the men reached the same distances.
222 athletes from 59 countries competed in DYNB. The field included five world record holders. Athletes set 30 national records across the session: 15 in the women’s category and 15 in the men’s.
Women’s DYNB Podium
| Medal | Athlete | Country | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Magdalena Solich-Talanda | Poland | 270m (886ft) |
| Silver | Bevin Reynolds | South Africa | 250m (820ft) |
| Bronze | Hyegeum Oh | South Korea | 233m (764ft) |
Men’s DYNB Podium
| Medal | Athlete | Country | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Mateusz Malina | Poland | 295m (968ft) |
| Silver | Guillaume Bourdila | France | 283m (928ft) |
| Bronze | Aleksandr Maksimov | AIN | 259m (850ft) |
Malina holds the world record in the discipline. He set the pace in the second heat with 295 metres (968 feet). No one caught him.
Continental Records
- Bevin Reynolds (South Africa) – Africa, 250m (820ft)
- Hyegeum Oh (South Korea) – Asia, 233m (764ft)
- Nara Martins Ishikawa (Brazil) – South America, 232m (761ft)
- Rebekah Nutter (Australia) – Oceania, 215m (705ft)
- Adam Bryant (Australia) – Oceania, men’s, 244m (801ft)
What Happens Next
Competition runs through 7 June. Dynamic Apnea Without Fins (DNF) follows the opening day, with Malina defending his title. Static Apnea takes place on 5 June, and Dynamic Apnea on 6 June.
The championships run from 30 May to 7 June at the Duna Arena in Budapest. 264 athletes from 60 countries are competing across four pool disciplines: DYNB, DNF, STA and DYN. AIDA International organises the event.
Watch The Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dynamic Bi-Fins (DYNB)?
DYNB is a pool freediving discipline. Athletes swim the longest possible distance underwater on a single breath, using two fins and a flutter kick.
What world record did Magdalena Solich-Talanda set?
She swam 270 metres (886 feet) in DYNB at the Duna Arena in Budapest. The swim beat the previous women’s world record of 259 metres (850 feet) by 11 metres (36 feet). The record is pending ratification.
Who won the men's DYNB title?
Mateusz Malina of Poland won gold with 295 metres (968 feet). Guillaume Bourdila of France took silver with 283 metres (928 feet), and Aleksandr Maksimov (AIN) took bronze with 259 metres (850 feet).
Where are the World Apnea 2026 Pool Championships held?
At the Duna Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
When do the World Apnea 2026 Pool Championships take place?
From 30 May to 7 June 2026. The pool disciplines are DYNB, DNF (Dynamic Without Fins), STA (Static Apnea) and DYN (Dynamic With Fins).
Who organises the championships?
AIDA International, the world governing body for freediving, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Switzerland.
Photos courtesy of Effie Benjamin. Video courtesy of AIDA International. Press distribution by ICARUS Sports.
