In just over 18 months of freediving, Zsófia Törőcsik has quickly made a name for herself, currently ranking 4th in the world for DYN among women. A rising star in the sport, Zsófia is undoubtedly one to watch in future competitions.

Competing in freediving for the first time just last year, she secured silver medals in DNF, DYN, and second overall at the 32nd AIDA World Championship this year. An impressive achievement for any athlete, let alone one so new to the scene.

How long have you been freediving?

I began a bit more than 1,5 years ago, in January 2023.

How did you discover freediving and why do you freedive?

With a group of friends, we went to a short trip to Malta 2 years ago, in October 2022. We had a local, Hungarian guide who took us snorkeling. We went to the famous P-31 shipwreck. Until then, I was uncomfortable in the open water, especially in the sea. (Even if i am a former triathlonist.) But the moment I put my face in the water and saw that big wreck underneath me, I was already in an another world. I thought it would be fun to swim down and touch the side of the boat. I managed to do it, waved at the scuba divers down there and came back. 
That was the moment I realised, I was searching something in the water in my whole life, I just didn`t know what exactly. I knew since I was a kid, that I have a special connection to the water, I just didn`t know that being underwater can be a sport too :).

How does freediving help you in developing yourself in other areas of your life?
Freediving requires a high level of self control, calmness, awareness and you should know your body and mind perfectly. I`ve come to know my own body better, and also syncronizing with my mind. It is an amazing experience. Before that I didn`t know that you can focus so hard - on simply nothing.

At what point did you decide to start competing and what led you to this decision?

As I am a competitive person (I hope in a good way), I was not pushing it - to compete, but it wasn`t a question, as the first possibility came for competing in April, 2023 in Hungary.

What is your favorite discipline and why?

I have two… 
DNF/CNF - because in that, there is only you, your mental & physical strength and the water. 
DYN/CWT - because that`s the most beautiful one, my `safe place` feeling, and I also like how my legs are buuurniiiiiiiing.

Which discipline do you find the most challenging and why?

For me the STA is the most difficult one. I am a dynamic person, i feel comfortable when I`m moving. During a STA exercise, I cannot stay relaxed for a long time, after few minutes I`m getting impatient and waiting for the end only. I have to do more exercises, and focus much more on relaxing.

What freediving goals do you hope to achieve this year?

Being a 2x Vice-World Champion is soo much more than I expected. Of course I have dreams and goals which I will fight for, for sure, but I like to keep all of my goals to myself until they become real, because I feel their real strength when only I know it exactly. I work, train hard and we`ll see. :)))

What is your best tip for someone who is just starting freediving?

Find a club that cares about you and everything will be fine.

Why do you love being part of AIDA?

I love the people, regardless of the association where they do their hard work for us or where they compete. 
I love AIDA`s transparent system, the amazing online rankings, and the modern way how the whole company is working. And I love the overall rating too.

Do you do any other sports?
Yes, I do gym sessions regulary, I`ve been working with a coach for 2,5 years. Furthermore I love many other sports, I am a former triathlonist, but it was a long time ago. I love horses, I`ve been a rider since 20 years approximately. I only had to forget about all the indoor sports like handball/volleyball/squash etc. because I had two knee injuries many years ago (1x broken, 1x ligament rupture).

Any fun/interesting things we should know about you?

I don`t know if it`s interesting or not, but I am an active motorcyclist. I lead biker tours around Europe with our own biker company (1000kanyar.hu).

How can people reach you?

I have an Instagram account: torocsikzsofia and I am also on Facebook with my own name Zsófia Törőcsik.