'Breath-taking' dedication

Yet, he never regrets his decision. Starting his freediving career in his 20s means he made the choice independently, unlike many young athletes who might have been influenced by their parents.

"I chose to pursue competitive freediving as an adult, which adds a deeper significance to my decision," he said. "I believe it's important for people to constantly challenge themselves and embrace competition. Settling into a comfort zone too early might cause one to miss out on many possibilities in life."

While Jin competes in freediving, he also stresses that freediving skills — even at a beginner level — can be crucial lifesaving abilities. He highlighted their usefulness in various emergencies, such as water accidents, escaping fires while holding one's breath, or avoiding inhaling harmful gases in situations like being stuck in an elevator, near landfill sites, or behind car exhausts.

Transitioning from a novice freediver to a world-class champion, Jin also witnessed the surging popularity of this niche sport among China's youth. He notes a significant increase in certified freedivers in China, rising from around 80,000 to over 600,000 in the past five years. Many young individuals also embrace freediving as a means of relieving stress or as a lifestyle choice for exploring the world and the ocean.

The 2025 World Games, scheduled to be held in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province, will also feature freediving in its athletic program for the very first time.

"China is increasingly recognizing the value of freediving as a sport. Initiatives such as athlete rating standards and additional points for college entrance exams are being implemented. Youth training systems, including sports schools for teenagers, are also starting to recruit," Jin observed.

As a leading figure in Chinese freediving, Jin has established his own freediving community, the Huangpu Diving Academy in Shanghai. The name pays homage to the esteemed Whampoa (Huangpu) Military Academy in China's modern history.

The community emphasizes core values of "passion, competition, nationality, and cultural richness". It currently has 76 active athletes and has consistently dominated the national freediving championships from 2021 to 2023. Jin is also involved in teaching and mentoring students himself.

"My dedication has always revolved around pushing the boundaries of Chinese freediving," he said.

Whether it's for personal improvement or promoting the sport, Jin remains committed to nurturing and preserving the flame that was ignited within him six years ago.

"I aspire for the fire in my heart to keep burning brightly, regardless of age," he said.