By Virgil Benyayer
In the 90s, the world of freediving vibrated to the rhythm of the rivalry between Umberto Pelizzari and Francisco “Pipin” Ferreras. Record after record, they pushed human limits in various disciplines: variable weight, constant weight and no limits.
112 meters, then 118, 121… up to 170 meters!
Today, the “no limits” record is held by Herbert Nitsch with 214 meters.
Two schools, two styles:
Pelizzari, disciple of Jacques Mayol and heir to the Italian school, and
Pipin, trained by Enzo Maiorca and originally from Cuba.
Their rivalry is a perfect illustration of this idea: ” an athlete cannot enter a competition highly motivated if he has never been put to the test ” (Seneca).
Far from being negative, competition can be a powerful motivator: surpassing yourself to beat an opponent,
but also to surpass yourself.
In sport, as in business, challenges stimulate energy and commitment. However, material rewards are not always enough: recognition, pride in performance, or the meaning given to a mission are often much more powerful drivers.
While emulation is beneficial, it also has a limit: how far can we go?
In the case of Pelizzari and Pipin, this quest sometimes bordered on the dangerous. Despite medical warnings, they chose to live their passion at the risk of their lives. This boundary between excess and excess is never clear. The important thing is to learn to recognize the moment when competition ceases to be constructive and becomes destructive.
Is it a source of motivation or unnecessary pressure?
“An athlete can’t arrive at a competition highly motivated if he’s never been put to the test.”
Seneca.
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