Francisco Ferreras

Francisco "Pipin" Ferreras (born January 18, 1962) is a renowned Cuban freediving athlete and world record holder. He is best known for his contributions to the sport of freediving and his marriage to the late Audrey Mestre, a French freediving champion.

Early Life

Ferreras was born in Havana, Cuba. From a young age, he showed a deep fascination with the ocean and began diving in the waters off the coast of Havana. His passion for the sea led him to pursue a career in marine biology, but his life took a different turn when he discovered the sport of freediving.

Career

Ferreras began his professional freediving career in the late 1980s. He quickly rose to prominence in the sport, setting numerous world records in various freediving disciplines. His most notable achievement came in 1996 when he set a new world record in the No Limits Apnea category by diving to a depth of 162 meters.

In 1997, Ferreras founded the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA), an organization dedicated to promoting and regulating the sport of freediving worldwide.

Personal Life

Ferreras was married to Audrey Mestre, a French freediving champion. Mestre tragically died during a freediving attempt in 2002. Ferreras has since dedicated his life to preserving Mestre's legacy and promoting the sport they both loved.

Legacy

Ferreras' contributions to the sport of freediving have been significant. He has not only set numerous world records but also helped to popularize the sport and establish standardized rules and regulations through AIDA. His story has been the subject of several documentaries and books, including "The Dive: A Story of Love and Obsession" by Carlos Serra.

See Also

• Freediving
• Audrey Mestre
• No Limits Apnea
• International Association for the Development of Apnea