Ukrainian Freediver Nataliia Zharkova Crowned 2025 World Champion

On September 11, 2025, in Mitikas, Greece, Ukrainian athlete Nataliia Zharkova won the gold medal at the Freediving World Championship in the CWT discipline (Constant Weight with monofin). Her dive to 113 meters secured the victory and set a new national record.

Ukrainian Victory

A total of 28 athletes competed in the women’s event. Zharkova declared an attempt of 113 meters and successfully completed it, leaving her rivals behind.

The silver medal went to Italian Alessia Zecchini with 109 meters, while her compatriot Chiara Obino claimed bronze with 106 meters. Both Italians delivered strong performances over 100 meters, but the Ukrainian proved unbeatable.

Kateryna Sadurska’s Performance

Another Ukrainian, Kateryna Sadurska, also declared a depth over 100 meters — 105 meters. In practice, she reached 102 meters but received a four-meter penalty for technical issues. Her final score was 98 meters, earning her a respectable fourth place.

Context

Freediving is considered one of the most extreme sports, where athletes compete to reach maximum depth without scuba equipment. The CWT (Constant Weight with monofin) discipline is seen as one of the most prestigious and technically challenging: divers must descend and ascend without changing weight or using external assistance.

Zharkova’s gold medal is a historic achievement for Ukraine — it marks the first time a Ukrainian athlete has won in one of the premier depth disciplines at the world level.

Background: Nataliia Zharkova

• Born: 1984

• Hometown: Kharkiv, Ukraine

• Profile: Ukrainian freediver, multiple national champion and record holder

• Major achievements:

  • 2025 World Champion (CMAS Depth World Championship, Greece, CWT)

  • Ukrainian record holder in several depth disciplines (CWT, FIM, CNF)

  • Medalist and participant of international freediving competitions in Egypt, Turkey, and Greece

• Note: Combines her sporting career with coaching and promoting freediving in Ukraine.

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