Record-breaking breath hold lasted over 24 minutes, surpassing typical sitcom runtime.
Breath holding might seem simple enough, but longevity in this art takes intense training and determination. Who are the world record holders in this astounding feat, and just how long can a human being hold their breath?
Discover top breath hold records, public attempts, breath holding history, and the dedicated individuals who push human limits in this exploration of breath holding.
Current World Records
Vitomir Maričić, a Croatian freediver, clinched the new Guinness World Record in 2025 with a staggering breath hold of 29 minutes and 3 seconds, achieved in a controlled environment with prior pure oxygen inhalation[1][5]. Previously, Croatian diver Budimir Sobat held the record at 24 minutes and 37 seconds in 2021[2].
The world record for women is still held by Karoline Mariechen Meyer from Brazil, with an impressive breath hold of 18 minutes, 32 seconds set back in 2009[2].
Breath Holding on Live TV: Record-Breaking Show
In 2008, David Blaine, a professional daredevil and overall limit-pusher, made headlines by holding his breath underwater on the Oprah Winfrey Show for 17 minutes, 4 seconds, smashing previous records[2]. With the use of prior pure oxygen, Blaine temporarily cemented his name in the breath holding hall of fame.
History of Breath Holding Underwater
Human fascination for testing physical limitations has given breath holding an evolving history. For centuries, people have tried to hold their breath for longer periods, shaping new techniques, strategies, and world records[3].
Ancient cultures practiced breath holding for underwater exploration, where they searched for food or valuable resources like pearls, coral, and sponges[3]. In the modern era, scuba tanks and respirators have emerged, allowing for longer submersion, but competition brings out the drive to challenge the body's natural limits[3].
Accomplished Breath Holders and Their Techniques
The elite few who hold the breath holding records possess unique physical and mental techniques to prolong their breath holds. These apneists carefully regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, triggering deep concentration states that allow them to endure astonishingly long breath holds[4]. Strategic hyperventilation, optimum positioning, and a pre-breathing of pure oxygen all contribute to their remarkable feats[4].
Playing by the Rules: AIDA and CMAS
Recognized by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA) and the Confederation Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), competitive breath holding involves strict criteria and anti-doping tests to ensure fair competition[4]. AIDA and CMAS certify both static apnea (holding your breath while lying still) and dynamic apnea (holding your breath while swimming)[4].
Breath Holding: Uncharted Territories and Limits
The human body's capacity to hold its breath can reach beyond what may be considered normal, as illustrated by unintentional breath holds, primarily occurring in children who survive underwater for around 20 minutes with the aid of cold water[6]. future scientific research may help us further understand the intricate workings of breath holding and potentially extend human capabilities.
[1] "Vitomir Maricic | Longest breath hold underwater." Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records, 2025, http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-breath-hold-underwater/vitomir-maricic.
[2] "Breath Holding." Medical News Today, MediLexicon International Ltd., 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/breath-holding.
[3] "History of freediving: Origins, techniques, records, and legends." Diveyard, 18 Feb. 2020, https://diveyard.com/history-of-freediving/.
[4] "The Art of Breath Holding: Apnea." Encyclopaedia Britannica, Britannica, 18 Sep. 2017, https://www.britannica.com/sports/apnea.
[5] "Vitomir Marcic Breaks Record for Longest Water Breath-Hold." Apnea Total, Apnea Total, 15 Jun. 2025, https://www.apneatotal.com/vitomir-maricic-breaks-world-record-for-longest-water-breath-hold/.
[6] "Trapped Under Ice: How Temperature and Breath-Holding Can Save Lives." The World of Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Law Enforcement, The Record, 31 Oct. 2021, https://www.therecord.net/trapped-under-ice-how-temperature-and-breath-holding-can-save-lives/.
- The world record for breath holding underwater, set in a controlled environment with prior pure oxygen inhalation, is held by Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić, who achieved a breath hold of 29 minutes and 3 seconds in 2025.
- In 2008, professional daredevil David Blaine broke the breath holding record on live TV, holding his breath underwater for 17 minutes, 4 seconds, using pure oxygen before the attempt.
- The history of breath holding dates back to ancient cultures, where people used breath holding for underwater exploration and resource gathering.
- Competitive breath holding, recognized by AIDA and CMAS, follows strict criteria and anti-doping tests to ensure fair competition, involving both static apnea and dynamic apnea.
- Elite breath holders possess unique physical and mental techniques to prolong their breath holds, such as strategic hyperventilation, optimal positioning, and pre-breathing of pure oxygen.
