1976day.year
Jacques Mayol is the first man to reach a depth of 100 m (330 ft) undersea without breathing equipment.
On November 23, 1976, French diver Jacques Mayol became the first person to descend 100 m below the sea surface on a single breath.
A pioneer of modern freediving, Jacques Mayol trained to extend human breath-hold limits through physiological and mental techniques. On November 23, 1976, off the coast of Elba in Italy, he achieved a landmark dive to 100 m without any breathing apparatus. His accomplishment shattered previous records and showcased the potential of human adaptation to underwater environments. Mayol’s approach combined relaxed breathing, equalization methods, and meditation to manage hypoxic stress. The feat propelled freediving into the global spotlight and inspired future champions like Enzo Maiorca. Mayol later chronicled his experiences in books and documentaries, contributing to a wider interest in ocean exploration and the mind-body connection. His legacy endures in diving communities worldwide.
1976
Jacques Mayol