Ukrainian freediver Zharkova strikes gold at world championship with a record-deep dive
Natalia Zharkova (photo: instagram.com/nat_freediver)
Renowned Ukrainian freediver Natalia Zharkova has added another outstanding achievement to her record. At the World Championships in Limassol, Cyprus, the Ukrainian athlete delivered an impressive performance in one of the sport’s most challenging disciplines.
A golden dive to 113 meters
On the final day of the World Championships organized by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA), medals were awarded in the CWT (constant weight) discipline, in which athletes dive to depth using a constant weight.
Zharkova’s main rival, Hungary’s Zsófia Törőcsik, announced an attempt at 115 meters but managed to reach only 108 meters before turning back and receiving a penalty.
Zharkova confidently completed her declared dive to 113 meters. Her clean, technically flawless performance secured the best result of the event and earned her a place at the top of the podium. France’s Jade Agboton took silver after finishing a full 12 meters behind Zharkova, at 101 meters, while Törőcsik claimed bronze with a depth of 108 meters, including the penalty.
Natalia Zharkova enjoyed a successful season (photo: instagram.com/nat_freediver)
A triumphant season for Ukrainian women
With her victory in the CWT discipline, Zharkova finished sixth in the overall World Championships standings with 284 points. Törőcsik was crowned overall champion, while Croatia’s Sanda Delija and Slovenia’s Mojca Haberman finished second and third, respectively.
Ukrainian female athletes have enjoyed a string of impressive victories this season. Earlier, at the World Championships organized by the World Confederation of Underwater Activities (CMAS), Zharkova won gold in the free immersion discipline, setting a new world record. Ukraine’s Kateryna Sadurska also took silver at the same competition.
