An absolute highlight among events I had the privilege of photographing this year was Valentina Cafolla’s extraordinary free dive record under the ice. The project took place in February at Lago de Anterselva in Italy, where Valentina, a young, talented, and brave athlete, pushed the boundaries of what seemed humanly possible.
In this breathtaking attempt, despite the harsh winter conditions, Valentina set a new world record by free diving 140 meters under the ice without any assistance or oxygen. What made this achievement even more remarkable was the dramatic twist in the story: Valentina’s previous world record, set in 2017, had been broken that same weekend in Japan. But within 36 hours, she reclaimed the throne with a new record that will stand as a testament to her determination and skill.
Events come and go, but some leave an indelible mark in history – Valentina’s freedive record is certainly one of those. As a photographer, capturing these moments allows them to live on in time. These photos are a reminder of the athlete’s incredible achievements but also resonate deeply with those who capture them, like myself. Through these photographs, the story of human endurance and triumph continues to unfold, inspiring others long after the event has passed.
The photo exhibition “140 Under Ice,” showcased at the Center of Visual Arts Batana in Rovinj, Croatia, is a true testament to this. The exhibition features photos taken by my friend Joerg Mitter and me, of Valentina’s record-breaking dive. The exhibition was followed by a 24-minute documentary of the same name, which premiered just a day before the exhibition opened at the Italian Center Pino Budicin in Rovinj. The film captures the breathtaking moments of Valentina’s dive and offers insights from her father and brothers.
I am more than happy to see that the story about Valentina’s achievements continues long after the project and that we can retell it together through events like this one. It confirms once again that big things that leave a mark in history truly last forever.