The Deepest Breath, a documentary released in July 2023, takes viewers on an emotional and visceral journey into the world of freediving—one of the most extreme and dangerous sports on the planet. Directed by Laura McGann, the film follows the lives of two freediving athletes, Alessia Zecchini from Italy and her Irish safety diver and coach, Stephen Keenan, as they pursue a shared passion for the sport and push the limits of human endurance and survival.

The Story Behind The Deepest Breath

At the heart of The Deepest Breath is Alessia Zecchini’s quest to become the world's best freediver. Alessia, often called the "mermaid" of the freediving world, has been breaking records and chasing deeper dives since her youth. She was captivated by the beauty and serenity of underwater life from a young age, and as her skills improved, her passion for freediving only grew stronger.

Stephen Keenan, a respected figure in the freediving community, was known for his expertise as a safety diver. A former freediver himself, Keenan gained a reputation for guiding and safeguarding other divers, helping them manage the inherent risks of holding their breath while descending to extreme depths in the ocean.

The documentary captures the intensity of the sport and the emotional toll it takes on its athletes. The centerpiece of the film is Alessia’s attempt to dive the Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt—an infamous freediving location known for both its beauty and its deadly challenges. The Blue Hole is considered one of the most difficult freediving sites because of the Arch, a submerged tunnel at a depth of 56 meters (183 feet) that leads divers into the open sea. This particular dive becomes the moment that binds Alessia and Stephen in both triumph and tragedy.

The Sport of Freediving

Freediving is a sport that challenges athletes to dive as deep as possible on a single breath, without the assistance of scuba gear or external breathing apparatus. The physical and mental demands of the sport are immense. Divers must master breath control, relaxation techniques, and equalization of pressure in their bodies while descending hundreds of feet into the ocean.

Competitive freediving is divided into multiple disciplines, such as Constant Weight (CWT), in which divers descend with the aid of fins but must return to the surface without pulling on the guide rope. Other disciplines, like Free Immersion (FIM), allow divers to use the guide rope to pull themselves down and back up.

Freedivers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what the human body can endure, but the sport is not without its dangers. Blackouts, lung injuries, and even death are risks freedivers face. This is why the presence of safety divers, like Stephen Keenan, is crucial. They are responsible for monitoring the diver's descent and assisting if they encounter problems on the way back up.

Where Are They Now?

Alessia Zecchini, despite the tragedy that marked her career, remains a prominent figure in the freediving world. After the events depicted in The Deepest Breath, Alessia has continued to pursue her passion for diving, breaking records and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. As of 2024, she holds multiple world records and continues to participate in international competitions, constantly pushing herself to new depths. One of her most impressive achievements is a dive to 109 meters (357 feet) in the Constant Weight (CWT) discipline, making her the reigning world record holder.

Zecchini has also become an advocate for ocean conservation, using her platform to raise awareness about the fragility of marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting underwater environments. Her career, shaped by both extraordinary achievements and heartbreaking loss, remains a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit’s desire to explore the unknown.

Stephen Keenan, tragically, is no longer with us. His death during Alessia's dive at the Blue Hole in 2017 is one of the most emotional and devastating moments in The Deepest Breath. Keenan sacrificed his life to help Alessia complete her dive safely, showcasing the inherent dangers of the sport but also the deep bonds that form between divers and their safety teams. His legacy, however, lives on in the freediving community, where he is remembered as one of the most selfless and courageous figures the sport has ever known.

In the years following his death, the freediving community has honored Stephen's memory through various tributes, including the creation of the Stephen Keenan Foundation, which supports young freedivers and promotes water safety education.

World Records and Freediving Today

Freediving has seen incredible advancements in recent years, with athletes like Alessia Zecchini setting records that seemed impossible only a decade ago. Zecchini currently holds multiple world records across different freediving disciplines, including her Constant Weight record of 109 meters (357 feet) and a remarkable dive of 102 meters (335 feet) in the Free Immersion discipline.

Other top athletes in the sport have also achieved incredible feats. Alexey Molchanov of Russia, the son of legendary freediver Natalia Molchanova, holds the men’s world record in the Constant Weight discipline with a dive to 133 meters (436 feet). His achievements, alongside those of Zecchini, represent the cutting edge of what is possible in freediving today.

The sport itself continues to grow in popularity, not only because of its connection to physical endurance but also due to the deep emotional and spiritual experiences divers report. Freediving is often described as a meditative practice, where divers connect with the ocean in a profound way. This aspect of the sport has resonated with a wider audience, helping freediving gain recognition as more than just an extreme sport but as a way to connect with nature and one's inner self.

The Deepest Breath provides an intimate look into the world of freediving, capturing both the beauty and dangers of this extraordinary sport. Through the stories of Alessia Zecchini and Stephen Keenan, the documentary highlights the passion, dedication, and sacrifices that come with pushing the limits of human endurance. While the sport remains perilous, the community that surrounds it is one of deep respect, connection, and love for the ocean.

As freediving continues to evolve, athletes like Zecchini will undoubtedly push the boundaries of what is possible, carrying forward the legacy of pioneers like Keenan. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and rewards of chasing dreams in the deep, and the enduring impact of those who dare to go further than anyone before them.