Laurence Paik Wins Bronze in Constant Weight No Fins at the 35th AIDA Freediving Depth World Championship

Limassol, Cyprus — September 24, 2025

USA Freediving athlete Laurence Paik earned a bronze medal in the Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) discipline at the 35th AIDA Depth World Championship, delivering a clean and technically precise 75-meter / 246-foot dive on September 24, 2025.

CNF is considered the most demanding discipline in freediving—performed without fins and requiring perfect control of technique, equalization, and efficiency. Paik entered the event with the sixth-deepest announced dive, but his consistent execution and composure under pressure secured him a place on the podium.

“My first World Championships was an incredible experience. To represent the United States and compete with the world’s best, who are welcoming and supportive, was unforgettable. I’m hungry for more and can’t wait until next year,” said Laurence Paik.

A Rapid Rise Fueled by Discipline, Training, and Technique

Paik began freediving in 2019 after years as a competitive swimmer and Marine Corps Harrier pilot. His approach blends athletic precision with what he calls a “checklist mindset” learned during military pre-flight procedures. A recent profile described his preparation before record attempts as mirroring an aviator’s routine—methodical checks of his nose clip, lanyard, light, and mental readiness before entering extreme depth.

In April 2024, Paik broke the AIDA USA National Record in CNF with a 73-meter dive at Cenote Ucil in Yucatán, Mexico, showcasing the same narrow stroke, high elbows, and efficient “frog kick” that now brought him to the world podium. That performance, achieved after reviewing data and refining his technique following an initial failed attempt, marked him as a rising force in No Fins—a discipline he describes as “the purest expression of freediving.”

Paik has now competed in multiple international competitions across five countries and continues to build depth, experience, and technical mastery.

Leadership Recognition

“Laurence’s bronze medal is an extraordinary achievement in one of the most unforgiving disciplines in freediving, said Brad Stephens, Treasurer of USA Freediving, who competed alongside Paik in Cyprus. “His precision, discipline, and calm under pressure set the standard for what CNF excellence looks like. Team USA is incredibly proud.”

Founder of Frogman Freediving & DeepEnd Fitness Instructor

Paik is the founder of Frogman Freediving, a Washington, D.C.-based school named after the “frog kick” that defines the No Fins technique and honors his background as a competitive breaststroker. He also coaches with DeepEnd Fitness DC, where he integrates conditioning, breathwork, and aquatic fitness training.

Media Assets

High-resolution photos and DiveEye underwater video of Laurence Paik’s bronze-medal CNF dive are available upon request.