In a feat that showcases the stunning capabilities of the human body, professional freediver Amelia de los Rios has been certified as a real-life mermaid after setting a new Guinness World Record. Using her incredible lung capacity, she successfully blew the most air rings underwater in a single minute, solidifying her place as a master of the aquatic arts.
The record-breaking attempt took place in Panglao, Philippines, on April 25, 2024. With a single breath, de los Rios produced 56 perfectly formed air rings in a minute, a number that also broke the record for the most air rings blown underwater without a time limit, with a total of 81.
De los Rios, who also holds a US national record for static apnea, attributes her success to the rigorous training required for her sport. “The attempt was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be,” she said. “When I practiced, I was practicing by myself, and I would count the bubbles, but I had never had anybody else count them.”
Her ability to effortlessly produce air rings is a testament to the specialized skills developed through freediving, a discipline that requires exceptional breath-holding and control. The technique involves a precise combination of cheek pressure and tongue movement to create stable rings of air that can travel through the water.
This unique and visually stunning record highlights not only de los Rios’s exceptional talents but also the fascinating and creative ways in which people are pushing the boundaries of human performance.
