Natalia Zharkova Triumphs with Gold Medal
At the 2026 Freediving World Championship held in Limassol, Cyprus from September 30 to October 9, Ukrainian athlete Natalia Zharkova secured the gold medal. Competing under AIDA International rules, she achieved an impressive dive of 113 meters in the Constant Weight (CWT) discipline, marking the best female performance of the tournament.
In the women's CWT final, Hungary’s Zsofia Torchik attempted a 115-meter dive but only reached 108 meters, incurring penalty points. France’s Jade Agboton earned the silver medal with a 101-meter dive, while Torchik took bronze with her 108-meter result.
Overall Standings and Additional Highlights
Zharkova also ranked sixth in the overall standings with 284 points. The overall women's world champion title went to Zsofia Torchik, who scored 374 points. Croatia’s Sandra Delia secured second place with 338 points, followed by Slovenia’s Mojca Gaberman in third with 308 points.
Earlier in the 2026 season, under CMAS governance, Natalia Zharkova won gold in free immersion, setting a new world record. Another Ukrainian diver, Kateryna Sadurska, also made a significant impact by winning a silver medal at that championship.
The Limassol World Championship was a major event attracting top freediving talent worldwide, showcasing the strong preparation and achievements of Ukrainian athletes on the global stage.
This victory by Natalia Zharkova highlights the rising presence of Ukrainian athletes internationally and reflects the ongoing growth of freediving within Ukraine.
The medals and records earned are expected to boost interest in freediving across Ukraine, encouraging more athletes to participate. Supporting Ukrainian freedivers in international competitions plays a crucial role in popularizing the sport nationally and nurturing emerging talents.