Limassol, Cyprus — October 8, 2026
USA Freediving athlete and board Treasurer Brad Stephens earned two bronze medals at the 2026 World Apnea Depth World Championships in Limassol, Cyprus, taking bronze in No Fins (CNF) with a 75-meter dive on October 1 and in Constant Weight monofin (CWT) with a 115-meter dive on October 8. Stephens finished 4th overall, just 8 points shy of a tie for 3rd. It was his second World Championship appearance.
Across the week, Stephens completed four dives and set four personal bests, including a new North American Continental Record in Free Immersion (108m) on October 6, which is pending ratification by AIDA.
Bronze Medal — 75m No Fins (October 1)
No Fins (CNF) is widely regarded as the most physically demanding discipline in freediving, requiring athletes to descend and ascend using only body undulation, without fins or a pulling rope. Stephens’s 75-meter / 246-foot dive improved on his previous best of 65 meters and earned him a share of the bronze medal, tied with Oman’s Omar Al Ghailani.
Bronze Medal — 115m Constant Weight Monofin (October 8)
In Constant Weight (CWT), athletes use a monofin to descend and ascend along a guide line without pulling on the rope. Stephens’s 115-meter / 377-foot dive improved on his previous best of 110 meters, set earlier this season, and secured his second medal of the championship.
Championship Highlights
No Fins: 75m — Bronze (PB, previously 65m)
Constant Weight Bi-Fins: 101m (PB, previously 95m)
Free Immersion: 108m — North American Continental Record (pending ratification)
Constant Weight Monofin: 115m — Bronze (PB, previously 110m)
Photo: AIDA International
“I went into this competition with one goal in mind: enjoy every dive, regardless of the outcome. I also wanted to give myself the opportunity to try a new depth on every dive to challenge myself. All the hard work came to light in this competition, even though I failed six dives in training before it began. I’m shocked I managed to get two bronze medals and finish 4th overall.” said Brad Stephens.
Photo: Maxime Souverain
“Watching Brad earn two bronze medals and finish 4th overall at the World Championships has been incredible. He has worked incredibly hard to earn these medals, with determination, tenacity, and mental fortitude, and I am extremely proud of him. 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
“We couldn’t be prouder of Brad. His performances at this year’s World Championships were nothing short of extraordinary, and these medals are a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and passion he brings to the sport. But what makes Brad so special is that his commitment to freediving extends far beyond his own achievements. As a member of our Board and a leader in the broader freediving community, he works tirelessly to help the sport grow and to create opportunities for others. We’re incredibly fortunate to have him representing Team USA, both in and out of the water.” said Katie McCarthy, Secretary, 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