Saudi Arabia’s top female freediver Nada Mohammed Alrasheed has achieved a remarkable success breaking the national record of the World Freediving Depth Championship in Kalamata, Greece, on Oct 6.
Overwhelming Success
Alrasheed has set a Saudi national record in CWT (constant weight with monofins) with a 61-meter dive.
Interestingly, she broke another record in FIM (free immersion) with a 53-meter dive.
As for CWTB (constant weight bi-fins), she completed the record with a 65-meter dive.
The Saudi freediver has expressed her “overwhelming sense of accomplishment” after exceeding Saudi national records.
“It was a mix of emotions, relief, joy and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. In those moments after surfacing, the weight of all the training, discipline and effort becomes real. There’s a brief silence before the celebrations begin, and in that quiet, I really felt the magnitude of the achievement,” Alrasheed told Arab News.
Arduous Journey
Speaking about her journey, the Saudi champion noted that she has always loved the sea since she was a child.
Then, she started scuba diving when she was 9 or 10. However, she founded that snorkeling and being free sound more natural.
“It wasn’t until 2018 that I discovered freediving as a formal sport. Once I knew that, I took a course, and from there, I got addicted to the feeling of challenge. My body kept surprising me with what it was capable of. That sense of freedom and accomplishment fueled my passion, and I knew I wanted to pursue it seriously,” she said.
Her career officially started in 2018 when she discovered freediving as a formal sport.
Consequently, she took a course and devoted her entire life to her passion for freediving.
“It wasn’t until 2018 that I discovered freediving as a formal sport. Once I knew that, I took a course, and from there, I got addicted to the feeling of challenge. My body kept surprising me with what it was capable of. That sense of freedom and accomplishment fueled my passion, and I knew I wanted to pursue it seriously,” Alrasheed added.
Difficult Challenges
The Saudi champion indicated that freediving includes mental and physical challenges.
Before diving, she needs to have a calm mind and slow heart rate.
That is why she has adopted meditation as an integral part of her routine while visualizing every moment underwater.
“This mental preparation helps me stay calm and focused, even when attempting new depths,” she added.
The athlete emphasized that representing her beloved kingdom is a significant privilege that makes her proud and grateful.
Deep Passion
Despite the remarkable success she achieved in all freediving disciplines, Alrasheed has a deep passion for CWT, a category that involves the use of monofins.
“What excites me the most about CWT is the flow of the movement. It’s all about being efficient and smooth, letting the fins carry you gracefully through the water. There’s a beautiful rhythm to it,” she said.
Ups and Downs
The champion’s journey was not that easy as she had struggles and obstacles.
One of the biggest challenges she faced was mental pressures.
She highlighted that “it’s easy to let nerves take over when you’re attempting personal or national records. Another challenge was realizing that progress isn’t linear, which was hard for me to accept at the beginning of my journey.”
Thankfully, she built a strong mindset and learned how accept setbacks as part of the process.
Therefore, she started to trust her skills and capabilities and remain resilient even if the progress seems slow.
Unwavering Support
Alrasheed expressed sincere appreciation for the role of the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation.
She explained that “freediving can seem like a solitary sport but having a solid team behind you, whether it’s coaches, safety divers, or family and friends, makes all the difference. Their role is crucial for both safety and success, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
A Glimpse of Hope
With Alrasheed now generally considered as Saudi Arabia’s top female freediver, she hopes to inspire future generations to defeat challenges and explore new avenues.
“My message is simple: don’t be afraid to dream big. The path might seem difficult, and there will be challenges, but persistence and passion can take you far,” she said.
Interestingly, she encouraged young girls to unleash their power and imagination and excel in whatever field they choose even if it seems rare for other people.
“Believe in your ability and never let doubt hold you back,” the champion said.
Bright Future
Alrasheed has set a bold vision to catch all her dreams and push her limits to fulfill a promising future for freediving in Saudi Arabia.
“Personally, I want to keep pushing my limits and see how far I can go in freediving. For Saudi Arabia, I hope to see the sport grow even more,” she added.
The athlete wishes that freediving will become part of the Saudi Games soon and will have an outstanding community to thrive and open new horizons for Saudi girls.
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