ABOUT
ABOUT MICHAELA
I help freedivers move with greater ease, build self-trust and find more joy in the water
I’ve spent more than four decades in and around the water—as a competitive swimmer, pool and ocean lifeguard, and scuba diver. In 2009, I discovered freediving in Australia, and it opened up a whole new way of experiencing the water—and myself.
Today, I’m a freediving coach and mentor, helping freedivers develop efficient technique and navigate the mental side of training and performance. Whether you’re preparing for a competition or simply want to feel more comfortable and confident underwater, my approach brings together awareness, skill and self-trust.
I’m a two-time Guinness World Record holder, an AIDA judge, and a certified freediving instructor since 2016. I share my experience through online courses, 1:1 coaching and immersive training camps in Australia and around the world.
Over time, my own journey has grown beyond the pursuit of records. I still love exploring what’s possible, but I’ve come to value how we get there: with curiosity, patience and respect for the body. That’s the spirit I bring to my coaching - helping you make meaningful progress while enjoying the process and discovering what the water can teach you about yourself.
I live in Newcastle, Australia, with my husband - my best friend and biggest supporter - and our three wonderfully crazy kids.
The sparkle in your eyes which shows up when you do, what you love, becomes a starting point to a grand carnival of your life.”
Hiral Nagda
MY CORE VALUES
MOTIVATION
Freediving is my passion, my superpower, and a way of life. It inspires me to become a better person by deepening my self-awareness and mastering my mind and body with each dive. Each experience offers a chance to be fully present in the moment and accepting the feelings that arise underwater.
The true artistry lies in applying these skills and insights to my daily life.
ADVENTURE
Circumnavigated Australia with my family.
In 2022-2023 we embarked on a year-long adventure, circumnavigating Australia with my family in a homemade, purpose-built camper trailer. Adventure is all about embracing the thrill of the unknown, and that’s exactly what we did.
Picture this: a year of living and cooking outdoors, relying on just two rooftop tents for shelter. We travelled over 32,948 km, enjoying 158 nights of wild camping with our three kids under the age of 10. It was a true adventure, and I’m so grateful for my amazing, hands-on hubby who made it all possible!
After all, the best things in life are shared.
DETERMINATION
Set two Guinness World Records - "My only competition is who I was yesterday"
I’ve been wearing a bracelet with these words for a long time. It serves as a constant reminder that I’m comparing myself to myself, not to anyone else. Every day is an opportunity to improve. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward, because nothing ever stays the same.
Progress isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it means doing less, slowing down, listening closely and giving yourself time to grow.
AUTHENTICITY
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”. Oscar Wilde
When I was younger, I often felt like I wasn't enough. Today, I embrace the truth that I am more than enough, and I give myself permission to be my authentic self. Once we allow ourselves to flourish, incredible things begin to happen. The path unfolds, guiding us toward our purpose, and that is truly beautiful.
| Year | Freediving Timeline |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Discovered Freediving & Became a Competitive Athlete |
| 2009 | Attended and organised the very first Freediving pool Competition in Australia |
| 2016 | Became Apnea Freediving Instructor |
| 2023 | Became AIDA Judge |
|
2023 2025 |
Became Guinness WR Holder (101 x 25m DNF / 1h) Guinness WR Holder Team (98.02km DNF / 24h) |
PERSONAL BESTS IN POOL
DNF laps / 1 hour (Guinness WR) - 101 x 25m
DNF distance / 24h (Guinness WR Team) - 98km
DNF (Dynamic No Fins) - 156m
DYN (Dynamic with Monofin) - 200m
DYNB (Dynamic with Bifins) - 175m
STA (Static) - 6min 8sec
Real greatness is success despite the odds, not just when odds are in your favour.
Jake Buchan (After my 184m DYN dive)
PERSONAL BESTS IN DEPTH
| CNF (Constant Weight No Fins) | 45m |
| FIM (Free Immersion) | 50m |
| VWT (Variable Weight) | 45m |
| CWT (Constant Weight) | 40m |
I achieved these depth results during a month of training in Egypt in May 2024. For the first time, I was able to fully dedicate myself to depth training. More important than the numbers was the joy I felt after my deepest dives—surfacing with a huge smile and sometimes even tears of happiness.
My dream was to see The Arch in the Blue Hole, and I’ve accomplished that!
There is still so much deeper to explore and so much more to learn and experience.
JOIN IN THE ACTION
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