Freediver Sahika Ercumen sets new world record with message of solidarity for Gaza

World record freediver and United Nations “Life Below Water” advocate Sahika Ercumen has set a new global record in the variable-weight no-fins category off the coast of Kas, Antalya. Diving with the slogan “Let Gaza breathe, let darkness turn to light,” she reached a depth of 107 meters on a single breath, surpassing her previous record of 106 meters.

Turkish athlete Sahika Ercumen completes her world record dive in the variable-weight no-fins category under the supervision of safety divers in Kas, Antalya, Türkiye, Oct. 17, 2025. (AA Photo)

'Let Gaza breathe' — a message carried beneath the surface

Ercumen, who began her descent from a boat near Hidayet Bay, completed the dive in three minutes and twenty-one seconds, marking both a sporting milestone and a symbolic act of solidarity.

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The athlete, known for her efforts to combine environmental advocacy with sports, dedicated the dive to the people of Gaza following the recent ceasefire agreement.

World record freediver Sahika Ercumen celebrates her 107-meter dive with her team holding Turkish and Palestinian flags, along with banners reading “Happy 102nd Anniversary of Our Republic” and “Let Gaza Breathe,” off Kas, Antalya, Türkiye, Oct. 17, 2025. (AA Photo)

A celebration of both the Republic and humanity

After resurfacing, Ercumen and her team unfurled the Turkish and Palestinian flags, along with banners reading “Happy 102nd Anniversary of Our Republic” and “Let Gaza Breathe.”

The freediver, who has represented Türkiye in international competitions for years, emphasized through her act the shared human struggle for peace, endurance, and resilience.

October 17, 2025 11:46 AM GMT+03:00