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Outlook: The freediver who found salvation underwater

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Alenka freedives

20/01/2022 GMT

The freediver who found salvation underwater

BBC World Service - Outlook, The freediver who found salvation underwater

Alenka Artnik overcame grief and pain to become a world champion freediver

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. 

The Outer Hebrides are made up of more than 100 islands off the coast of Scotland. Three of them are called the Shiant Isles – they are tiny, uninhabited, very wild and very beautiful. They used to belong to a man called Adam Nicolson. He inherited them from his father when he was 21. Rather an unusual inheritance, but Adam says they've taught him a lot about life and love. This interview was first broadcast 11th September 2019.

Adam wrote a book about the islands called Sea Room: An Island Life.

If you are affected by issues raised in this programme there is confidential support on the BBC Action line website, or at Befrienders.org

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Jo Fidgen

(Photo: Alenka Artnik. Credit: DaanVerhoeven)

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