The Mindset Behind World Records
A freediver's mindset is often considered just as important as physical ability. How has yours changed over the years?
As Alessia began attempting deeper dives, she discovered that success depended just as much on mental preparation as physical training.
"At the beginning my limit was quite far away. If my mind was not at one hundred percent and if I was a bit afraid or stressed, it was not such a big problem."
Today, the margin for error is much smaller.
"Now everything has to be perfect. No thoughts, no bad emotions, and no good emotions. You have to not feel anything."
Before every dive, she follows a simple routine that helps her stay fully present.
"I can arrive at the platform in the flow. I don't have to think about anything else, just feel the water, look at the sea, look at the little waves, and calm myself."
Once the dive begins, her focus narrows to a single moment.
"The only thing that I'm thinking about is just what I'm doing in that moment. You are living the present without paying attention to anything that's happening around you."
For Alessia, the ocean itself plays an important role in achieving that state of mind.
"The sea around me helps me a lot. In a little way, it's like hypnotizing yourself."
The Story Behind The Deepest Breath
Your journey to break the world record and your relationship with safety diver Stephen Keenan became the focus of Netflix's The Deepest Breath. How did the documentary come about, and how do you feel about it today?
While the documentary introduced Alessia's story to millions of viewers, she says there was only one reason she agreed to participate.
"I accepted to do the film only because my goal was that Stephen had to be remembered. He was too special to be forgotten."
The documentary took nearly five years to complete, but seeing the response from audiences around the world made the experience worthwhile.
"Now that it's out, I feel the goal was reached. Everybody loves Steve, and the result was good."
Stephen Keenan was much more than a safety diver. For Alessia, he became someone who changed her life forever.
"Stephen helped me so much. He saved my life twice. I was so lucky to meet him."
His legacy continues to inspire not only Alessia but also countless people who discovered freediving through The Deepest Breath.
Inspiring the Next Generation
What are you most proud of as a freediver?
Despite breaking world records throughout her career, Alessia says her proudest achievement isn't measured by depth or medals.
Instead, it's seeing young people discover freediving and develop a love for the ocean.
"So many young people are starting to freedive, and their parents allow them to do it."
She admits she initially worried how the documentary would influence public perception of the sport, but those concerns quickly disappeared.
"I received so many messages from kids saying they want to become like me, they love the ocean, and they started taking a course."
For Alessia, hearing that her story has encouraged others to follow their passion has become one of the most meaningful rewards of her career.
"People say, 'Thank you. You changed my life. You changed the way I think about my life.' That's something incredible, and I'm really proud of it."
Finding Peace Beneath the Surface
Have you ever been afraid of the water?
Considering the extraordinary depths she explores, many people assume fear must be a constant companion. For Alessia, however, the ocean has always represented something very different.
"Everything is perfect in the water. It's the place where I saved myself."
She explains that the only fear she's ever experienced comes from making mistakes, not from the ocean itself.
"I'm not afraid of the ocean because it's the thing that I love most. I don't think you can be afraid of something that you truly love."
That deep connection with the sea continues to shape both her career and her outlook on life.
