María Verónica Córdova
World Championships
In 2025, at the World Freediving Championship in Athens, Greece, María Verónica Córdova achieved an extraordinary milestone: a bronze medal and third place in the world with a breathtaking 7 minutes and 19 seconds of static apnea. This performance marked her return to the global stage after becoming a mother of twins —a testament to her resilience, focus, and the power of the mind–body connection that defines her journey in freediving.
Previously, at the 2021 World Championship in Belgrade, Serbia, she had already earned a bronze medal with a stunning 209-meter dive in the Dynamic with Bi-Fins (DYNB) discipline.
These two podiums finish at the world level confirm her place among the most accomplished freedivers in the Americas and celebrate a story of perseverance, balance, and passion —proof that even after life’s deepest pauses, we can always rise to the surface stronger.
25 National Records
Since 2016, María Verónica Córdova has achieved an extraordinary 25 national records in freediving across all pool disciplines —static apnea, dynamic, dynamic with bi-fins, and dynamic without fins. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and deep passion for the sport have positioned her at the very forefront of freediving in Ecuador.
Each record reflects not only her discipline, precision, and mental strength, but also her profound connection with the underwater world. Through every performance, she continues to raise the standard for the sport and inspire a new generation of freedivers to explore their own potential.
Her journey embodies continuous growth and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of human possibility beneath the surface, establishing her as a pathfinder and role model in the world of freediving.
16 Continental Records
María Verónica Córdova holds an extraordinary 16 continental records in pool freediving —a testament to her consistency, mastery, and pioneering spirit. She was the first woman in the Americas to surpass the 200-meter mark, a groundbreaking achievement that redefined the limits of the sport on the continent.
Her most recent records are equally remarkable: 7 minutes and 19 seconds in static apnea, and 226.5 meters in dynamic with bi-fins.
These performances showcase not only her exceptional technique and endurance, but also the deep mental focus and inner calm required to explore the ocean within —solidifying her legacy as one of the most accomplished freedivers in the Americas.
Freediving World Championship 2021
From Hobby to Passion
María Verónica began her journey in the world of freediving in 2016 as a hobby alongside her husband. “Since that year, I managed to place in the top positions in national competitions,” comments the athlete, who just one year later won four gold medals at the 2017 Pan American Championships in Mexico. “I managed to rank first in all four disciplines (Dynamic with bi-fins, Dynamic with monofin, Dynamic without fins, and Static), despite it being my first international competition, where nerves were running high. Additionally, I achieved two records: static and dynamic with bi-fins!”
Her rapid ascent in the sport is a testament to her natural talent and the intense training regimen she adopted early in her career. María Verónica’s success at the Pan American Championships was a pivotal moment, propelling her onto the international stage and solidifying her reputation as a formidable competitor. Her ability to perform under pressure and achieve such remarkable results in her first international outing speaks volumes about her dedication and mental strength.
ANKLA – El poder de Un Respiro
Dive into the extraordinary journey of María Verónica Córdova, a civil engineer who transformed into a world-class freediver. From humble beginnings to breaking continental and world records, her story embodies resilience, passion, and the search for harmony between mind, body, and water.
The idea for this short film was born from her husband, David Henriques, who wanted to help María Verónica overcome postpartum depression through reconnection with the element that has always brought her peace —water. What began as an act of love became a profound journey of transformation, showing how immersion and breath can restore strength, clarity, and purpose.
As Executive Director, David guided the project’s creative vision, alongside filmmaker Raúl Nómada, who masterfully captured María Verónica’s essence and the emotional depth of her discipline.
ANKLA invites viewers to experience the silent power of water —a space where stillness becomes strength, and each held breath reveals the extraordinary potential within us all.
Maria Verónica, a civil engineer with a Master’s degree in Environmental and Water Resources from Cornell University, USA, discovered her passion for freediving in 2016. It all began with a challenge from her best friend to hold her breath for as long as she could, and she effortlessly lasted two minutes and thirty seconds. From that moment, she knew that the world of freediving was where she belonged.
Freediving taught Maria Verónica invaluable life lessons beyond mere technique and discipline. She learned to embrace discomfort and adaptability, skills she applies in her everyday life, especially during challenging times such as adjusting to married life and motherhood. Through freediving, she discovered the power of resilience and acceptance in navigating through life’s obstacles.
Maria Verónica’s journey in freediving has shown her that with determination and effort, any goal is achievable. From becoming a mother to relentless training for podium placements in global championships, she exemplifies how perseverance and dedication can turn dreams into reality.
In June 2021, Maria Verónica achieved a remarkable feat by securing third place in the World Championship in Serbia. In 2022 this record was beaten by María Verónica herself by reaching a massive distance of 225,30 meters, about 4 and a half Olympic pools with one single breath. Her outstanding performance garnered attention worldwide, showcasing her talent and dedication on the international stage.
Maria Verónica’s success is especially noteworthy as she represents Ecuador. Her achievements demonstrate not only her talent and dedication but also her ability to overcome barriers and shine on the global stage. Additionally, her versatility and skill across various freediving disciplines are commendable and worthy of admiration.
Testimonials
“Maria Verónica’s journey in freediving has been nothing short of inspiring. From the moment she embraced this sport, I witnessed her dedication and determination firsthand. She approaches every challenge with grace and resilience, both in the water and in our daily lives. Her passion for freediving not only fuels her achievements but also enriches our relationship, as we share in the joys and triumphs of her remarkable journey.”
María’s husband
“Working with Maria Verónica has been an absolute privilege. Her commitment to mastering the intricacies of freediving is unparalleled. She possesses a rare combination of natural talent and unwavering perseverance, which has propelled her to the forefront of the sport. Maria Verónica’s willingness to push her limits and embrace new challenges serves as an inspiration to all aspiring freedivers. I am confident that she will continue to achieve great success and leave a lasting impact on the world of freediving.”
maría’s couch
“Mommy is our superhero! We are so proud of everything she has accomplished in freediving. Watching her dive deep into the ocean and break records is like watching a real-life mermaid. She teaches us that with hard work and determination, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Mommy’s love for the water and her adventurous spirit inspire us every day. We love you, Mommy!”
maría’s children