VINCENT MATHIEU
World Champion and Certified Professional Coach
As a professional freediving coach, I embody a sharp expertise in exercise physiology, training methodology, specific freediving training techniques, mental performance approach, and a wealth of knowledge related to the preparation and management of sports performance.

As a Certified Professional Coach, my role transcends mere guidance; it is a dedicated mission to elevate every freediving enthusiast to their full potential, physically, physiologically, technically, and mentally.

With profound knowledge, I shape personalized training plans and programs, refine techniques with precision, and offer insightful advice to achieve each individual's goals.

My commitment extends beyond performances: I ensure the overall flourishing of my athletes, fostering a sophisticated, motivating, and tailored learning environment for each individual. My ambition is to instill growth and excellence in freediving practice, making each session a significant step toward fulfillment.

Here, I share my journey as a coach and freediving athlete.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS
  • World Champion
    1
  • Vice-World Champion
    2
  • Wild Cards
    3
  • French National Records
    3
  • Team France Selections
    8
Picture by Eric Flogny
Picture by FFESSM Apnée
Picture by Enzo - Deeper Blue
Picture by Eric Flogny
Picture by FFESSM Apnée
Picture by Enzo - Deeper Blue
COMPETITION PERFORMANCES
Without Packing
Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB): 103m

Free Immersion (FIM): 100m

Constant Weight Monofin (CWT): 100m

Constant Weight No Fins (CNF): 70m
With Packing
Static Apnea (STA): 8'53"

Dynamic Apnea Monofin (DYN): 224m

Dynamic Apnea Bi-Fins (DYNB): 200m

Dynamic No-Fins (DNF): 152m
Honorary Distinctions
The first French athlete in the history of freediving to win the title of Static Apnea World Champion

The third Frenchman in history to achieve depths of 100m or more in competition across three different disciplines

Now current coach and selector of the French National Freediving Team CMAS
I have always sought to forge my own path. I have developed an unconventional approach that allows me to dive over 100 meters with absolute relaxation and pleasure without packing, no refilling my mouthfill beyond 22 meters, no neck weight, no constant pressure, no residual volume training, and no stress on my lungs.

« Follow the flow my friend »
FROM ATHLETE TO COACH
« If there is pleasure in the practice, performance will come naturally. »
In the world of freediving, I am an anomaly: genetically lower levels of iron and hemoglobin, diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 14, an unathletic heart rate (averaging 75 bpm during a 9-minute static apnea), and a permanent fragility due to four ear surgeries in my childhood. Despite this catalog of incompatibilities, a year and a half after my debut in 2013, I participated in my first world championship, earning a silver medal. The following year, I clinched gold, becoming the first Frenchman in history to hold the title of world champion in static apnea. Like an anomaly in the matrix.
Detected in my first year by Christian Vogler, a French Navy officer specialized in physical preparation, triathlete, and coach of the French National Team, I had the privilege of honing my skills alongside him for nearly 6 years. During this period, I shared my passion with freedivers from around the world, organizing workshops on four continents, without affiliation to any particular agency.

Feeling constrained by conventional knowledge, I returned to university to earn a degree in Sports Science, specializing in "Training Methodology & Performance," graduating at the top of my class. This allowed me to structure my ideas and knowledge, validating my experience with a methodical approach recognized by high-level coaches worldwide.

Today, I am delighted to offer you the culmination of my skills as a certified coach (and proud to be recently nominated coach and selector of the French freediving team CMAS) through unique and high-quality support.
With me, no dietary supplements, fasting, diving on Residual Volume, or hardcore hypoxic or hypercapnic tables to be afraid of training, but a measured, intelligent, playful, and motivating approach based on ethical principles and sporting integrity that are dear to me.

« Smart training, meaningful results »
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERTISE
  • Academic Background

    Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Specialization in "Performance and Training Methodology"

    State Diploma in Youth, Popular Education, and Sport, Specialization in Sports Improvement - Underwater Diving Activities
  • Professional Certifications
    Regional Freediving Instructor, FFESSM (French Federation of Undersea Studies and Sports)

    Federal Instructor Trainer Level 2, FFESSM (French Federation of Undersea Studies and Sports)

    CMAS Level 2 Instructor

    AIDA Instructor Trainer
  • Experiences
    Current coach and selector of the French National Freediving Team CMAS

    Over 10 years of experience in teaching and coaching

    12 years in the practice of boxing and martial arts

    Sport addict: road cycling, crossfit, climbing, weightlifting, trail running, and the list goes on
Picture by Aline Escalon
Picture by Aline Escalon
Picture by Aline Escalon
Picture by Aline Escalon
PUBLICATIONS
Vincent Mathieu is the world champion of freediving. He discusses his discipline, which is unknown to the general public, providing him with extraordinary and unique sensations..
Freediving completely transcends the known physical and spiritual limits. It cannot be compared to other practices.
The freediving world champion, Vincent Mathieu, introduces us to the soft and silent world of marine depths.
MY BOOK
Far from sports stories this time, I invite you to discover me from a more intimate and sensitive perspective. I discuss freediving in its blue therapy by sharing my aspirations, how freediving has helped me live better with myself, and accept the world we live in. I passionately talk about the tremendous therapeutic potential that this unique practice offers. I am deeply convinced that the spiritual dimension of freediving can help every human being on this planet and contribute to making the world a better place.

« Whatever questions you ask, freediving will bring you answers. »

Vincent Mathieu
Freediving Spirit
A dive into the heart of oneself


English version coming soon!
Flammarion Edition
Published in 2018
Large Format - 223 pages
Feel free to contact me, and join my community.
Whatsapp: +33 6 19 02 98 80
Email: hackyourbreath@gmail.com