Enzo Maiorca

Enzo Maiorca (June 21, 1931 – November 13, 2016) was an Italian free diver who held several world records in the sport. He was born in Syracuse, Sicily, and began his diving career in the 1950s. Maiorca was known for his rivalry with French diver Jacques Mayol, which was depicted in the 1988 film The Big Blue.

Early life

Maiorca was born in Syracuse, Sicily, to a family of modest means. He developed a passion for the sea at a young age, and began free diving as a teenager. Despite the dangers associated with the sport, Maiorca was drawn to the challenge and the sense of freedom it provided.

Career

Maiorca's career in free diving began in the 1950s. He quickly gained recognition for his ability to dive to great depths without the use of breathing apparatus. In 1960, he set his first world record by diving to a depth of 45 meters. Over the next two decades, Maiorca continued to push the boundaries of the sport, setting several more world records. His most notable achievement came in 1974, when he became the first person to dive to a depth of 100 meters.

Maiorca's rivalry with French diver Jacques Mayol was a defining aspect of his career. The two men continually pushed each other to dive deeper, and their competition was the subject of the 1988 film The Big Blue. Despite their rivalry, Maiorca and Mayol shared a deep respect for each other and for the sport of free diving.

Later life and death

After retiring from competitive diving, Maiorca continued to promote the sport and advocate for marine conservation. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 85.

Legacy

Maiorca's contributions to the sport of free diving have left a lasting legacy. His records and his rivalry with Jacques Mayol helped to popularize the sport and inspire a new generation of divers. Today, Maiorca is remembered as one of the pioneers of free diving.

See also

• Free diving
• Jacques Mayol
• The Big Blue