Enzo Maiorca

Italian free diver

Enzo Maiorca (21 June 1931 – 13 November 2016) was an Italian free diver who held several world records in the sport. He was known for his remarkable ability to dive to great depths without the use of breathing apparatus, and he played a significant role in popularizing free diving as a sport.

Early Life

Enzo Maiorca was born in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. From a young age, he was fascinated by the sea and developed a passion for diving. His early experiences in the waters around Sicily laid the foundation for his future career in free diving.

Career

Maiorca began his free diving career in the 1950s. He quickly gained recognition for his ability to dive deeper than anyone else at the time. In 1960, he set his first world record by diving to a depth of 45 meters. Over the next decade, he continued to push the limits of human endurance and set multiple world records.

World Records

Maiorca's most notable achievements include breaking the 50-meter barrier in 1961 and reaching a depth of 101 meters in 1988. His rivalry with French free diver Jacques Mayol was well-known, and their competition helped to advance the sport of free diving.

Legacy

Enzo Maiorca's contributions to free diving extended beyond his record-breaking dives. He was an advocate for marine conservation and worked to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ocean environment. His life and career were celebrated in the 1981 film "The Big Blue," which dramatized his rivalry with Jacques Mayol.

Personal Life

Maiorca was married and had two daughters. He was known for his charismatic personality and his dedication to his family and the sea. Even after retiring from competitive diving, he remained active in the free diving community and continued to promote the sport.

Death

Enzo Maiorca passed away on 13 November 2016 in his hometown of Syracuse, Sicily. He was 85 years old.

Gallery

Enzo Maiorca in Sorrento, 1974

Related pages

• Free diving
• Jacques Mayol
• Syracuse, Sicily