The freediver who found salvation underwater
Alenka Artnik's childhood was often chaotic and troubled. But then she found freediving and peace, deep underwater.
Alenka Artnik grew up in Slovenia in a loving but complicated family. Her father was an alcoholic, and her brother was addicted to drugs. Years of pain and grief meant that Alenka found herself feeling lost and alone. But then, just when she most needed it, when she'd thought about taking her own life – she found freediving and sanctuary in an underwater world. Drawing on her own personal, physical and mental strength, she is now a world champion freediver. Last year she broke world records by diving to an astonishing 122 metres.
If you are affected by issues raised in this programme there is confidential support on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Action line website, or at Befrienders.org
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com
Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producers: May Cameron and Andrea Kennedy
(Photo: Alenka Artnik. Credit: DaanVerhoeven)
Podcast
-
![]()
The Outlook Podcast Archive
True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives
