Matt Malina, vice-champion of the world in free-diving is the youngest ever free-diver to date, who has succeeded in standing on the podium. His way to 106 meters, which he accomplished in 2011 during the world championship also is one of the most spectacular and unexpected in the world of free-diving. Mateusz is from the mountain region in Poland. The distance from the Red or Mediterranean Sea, the closest place possible to train in deep-water diving, is only a couple thousand kilometers. Malina started in the cold waters of northern Europe, as well as in swimming pools, in order to appear out of nowhere in Greece and reach the podium. Free-diving is a relatively new type of rival sport. Very few people are able to drive below 100 meters. The body of the diver is subject to massive strain. It is also a challenge for the mind and it is said that free-diving also demands mental engagement, requiring calming your emotions, listening to your own body. To state that this is a dive within yourself is not a metaphor. The depth obtained is closely connected with your emotional state, relaxation and physical preparation to the tournament.
What is it, hidden so deep?
Matt Malina is a person constantly becoming. He goes beyond the limits, surpasses his former achievements. Risk and challenge are a part of his every day. He treats sport very rationally; does never neglect his trainings, cares for healthy diet and maintenance of good physical shape. We had a chance to observe him for one month. When asked why he chose this very sport, he said it was a coincidence. Words like magic or silence we heard from him only once. He prefers not to share the secret of what does freediving mean for him personally.
It is a natural reaction of one’s spiritual self-expression to turn upward, outside, beyond oneself. But a look downward, underneath, toward the centre, toward the very interior seems to be much more profound and closer to integrity. Such a move gives a chance to understand and learn more about oneself. Matt does in some way represent the essence of this theory. He endlessly crosses the border line.
A portrait is an interpretation of our simple observations, of emotions, relationships and experiences which, though connected with a specific situation, exist beyond a given moment, beyond time and a basic projection. This portrait becomes a picture in a metaphorical way. Well, it is impossible to easily transmit the experience of observing such a strong and multidimensional figure as Matt Malina.