Croatians win two bronze medals in freediving at World Games in China

Croatian freedivers Mirela Kardašević and Vanja Peleš won two medals at the World Games in Chengdu, one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, which brought together over 5,000 athletes from across the globe, reads a press release.

To qualify for this prestigious competition, athletes had to be among the top ten in the world in their disciplines, which required over a year and a half of intense qualification efforts, top-level performances, and maintaining competitive form at a global level, CE Report quotes HINA.

On the first day of the competition in freediving discipline called the dynamic apnea without fins (DNF), Vanja Peleš won the bronze medal, while Mirela Kardašević finished in fourth place. On the second day, in the discipline of dynamic apnea with a monofin (DYN), Kardašević claimed the bronze medal, while Peleš finished sixth.

In addition to Kardašević and Peleš, Croatia was also represented by Dora Bassi, who competed in finswimming in the 400 m Surface (monofin) discipline, where she finished as the sixth swimmer.

"I’m especially proud that we’ve made history and this was the first time freediving was included in the World Games, and Croatia immediately won two medals. I’m also proud of my teammates Vanja Peleš and Dora Bassi – as a small country, we had three representatives in aquatic sports, in disciplines where only the top ten in the world can qualify. This experience has given all of us even more motivation to push our limits and come back even stronger," said Kardašević.

"The organisation of the competition was of a very high standard, and it was a pleasure to compete at such a top-level event. Although 400sf is not my strongest discipline, I’m extremely pleased with the final result and my placement," said Bassi.

The World Games are taking place from 7 to 17 August in the Chinese city of Chengdu.

The World Games are an international multi-sport event comprising sports and sporting disciplines that are not included in the Olympic Games. They are usually held every four years, one year after a Summer Olympic Games, over the course of 11 days. The World Games are governed by the International World Games Association, under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee.