Audrey Mestre

Audrey Mestre‏‎ (August 11, 1974 – October 12, 2002) was a world-renowned freediver of French origin. She is best known for her contributions to the sport of freediving and her tragic death during an attempt to break the world record in the No-Limits Apnea category.

Early Life

Born in Paris, France, Mestre developed a love for the water at a young age. She moved to the Dominican Republic at the age of 16, where she began her journey into the world of freediving.

Career

Mestre's career in freediving began when she met her future husband, Pipin Ferreras, a Cuban freediver. Under his tutelage, she quickly rose to prominence in the sport. Mestre broke the female world record in the No-Limits Apnea category in 2000, diving to a depth of 125 meters. She broke her own record in 2001, reaching a depth of 130 meters.

Death

On October 12, 2002, Mestre attempted to break the world record again by diving to a depth of 171 meters in the waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Tragically, due to a series of equipment failures and procedural errors, Mestre did not resurface alive. Her death sparked a controversy in the freediving community and led to increased safety measures in the sport.

Legacy

Despite her tragic end, Mestre's contributions to the sport of freediving have not been forgotten. She is remembered for her fearless spirit and her passion for pushing the boundaries of human capability. Her life and death have been the subject of several documentaries and books, including the 2013 film, "The Dive".

See Also

• Freediving
• No-Limits Apnea
• Pipin Ferreras