Limassol, Cyprus — October 6, 2026
USA Freediving athlete and board Treasurer Brad Stephens set a new North American Continental Record in Free Immersion (FIM) with a dive to 108 meters / 354 feet at the 2026 World Apnea Depth World Championships in Limassol, Cyprus. The dive had a total time of 3:17.
Continental Record — 108m Free Immersion
Free Immersion (FIM) is a discipline in which athletes pull themselves down and back up along a guide line without the use of fins. Stephens first set his sights on the record in July 2026 and was unable to complete the dive in competition. This time, the dive was completed cleanly, officially setting the new continental mark and surpassing the previous North American record of 107 meters, held by Tory George. The record is pending ratification by AIDA.
“I had my eyes set on breaking this record in July of this year and failed the dive four times in a row in competition and once in training. However, I kept my eyes on the prize and continued training until I managed to do it at the World Championship, with more still left in the tank.” said Brad Stephens.
Photo: Enchante Gallardo
“I knew as soon as he set his mind on this goal he would achieve it. He has worked incredibly hard to earn this record with determination, tenacity, and mental fortitude. I am extremely proud of what he has accomplished. I know he has so much more to give, and I truly believe this is just the beginning.” said Enchante Gallardo, USA Freediving teammate.
Leadership Recognition
“Brad Stephens’ 108-meter FIM Continental Record is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the watermanship, discipline, and dedication he brings to every dive. Brad has put in the work day after day, committing himself fully to his training and continually developing the skills and stamina required to perform at this level. On behalf of USA Freediving, I want to congratulate Brad on this incredible accomplishment and recognize the commitment it took to represent the United States on the world stage in such exceptional form.” said Francesca Koe, President, USA Freediving.
About Brad Stephens
Stephens is a competitive freediver representing the USA, based in Quepos, Costa Rica, where he owns the freediving school Rica Freedivers and co-owns Evolution Spearfishing, a spearfishing education agency. He serves as Treasurer of USA Freediving and President of the Federación de Freediving Costa Rica. Stephens trains across Costa Rica, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and Cyprus, and is sponsored by Molchanovs and Apex Boats.
Full Results
Official performance results can be found through AIDA International:
https://www.aidainternational.org/EventPage/4987
MEDIA ASSETS
High-resolution photography and DiveEye underwater video are available upon media request.
USA Freediving is a nonprofit association founded on the democratic representation of freediving within the United States and internationally. Founded in 2003, USA Freediving is the national governing body dedicated to furthering the development of the sport and recreation of freediving in the United States and abroad. For more information about USA Freediving, Team USA, and membership please visit www.usafreediving.com.
The Association Internationale pour le Développement de l’Apnée (International Association for the Development of Apnea) is the international sanctioning body for freediving, individual and team competition, and freediving world record attempts. For more information about AIDA please visit www.aidainternational.org.
Media Contact
Katie McCarthy
Secretary, USA Freediving
media@usafreediving.com