AIDA PH Freediving Team: Meet Nico
We caught up with each member of the AIDA Philippines Freediving Team to get a glimpse into their minds during their busy training schedule. Despite their hectic routines, they generously spared us a few minutes to share their thoughts on the process. #Sanghinga #AIDAPhilippines
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Meet Nico Guzman, another member of the AIDA Philippines Freediving Team. He shares his journey to competitive freediving and his preparation for the big event.
Photos From: Nico's FB Account
Nico started his preparation for the competition in September last year, with 3 sessions of freediving and 2-3 sessions in the gym each week. He covered a total distance of 1-2 km underwater in most of his training sessions. Nico believes in investing months of training prior to a big competition to achieve great results. In the last 2-3 months before the competition, he switches to more specific and high-intensity freediving exercises while maintaining his strength.
"I like to invest many months of training prior to a big competition because the results are usually great," Nico shares.
Nico got into competitive freediving by chance. He initially saw freediving as a way of connecting with the ocean and his inner self. However, his friends from Oslo Freediving Club encouraged him to participate in a local depth competition in Sweden after a couple of months of recreational freediving. Despite having no expectations, Nico dove to 30 meters and received a White Card, an approved dive.
"It would have been awesome if I saw the curious seal at 30 meters," Nico recalls.
For Nico, representing his country as a national athlete is an honor, especially since he recently re-acquired his Filipino citizenship. He is not only doing this for his country but also for his family, especially his grandparents.
"What keeps me motivated in competing is self-development. I want to see how far and deep I can swim in one breath. Of course, records and accolades are not that important to me, but for me, freediving is self-development," Nico shares.
One of the biggest challenges Nico faced in preparing for the competition was battling depression after ending a 9-year relationship. Training became extremely difficult for him during the past couple of months, but with therapy and the help of people close to him, he was able to overcome this difficult period. Nico sat 2 Philippine records during this time and qualified himself for the Philippine National Team.
"It's not only about learning the mistakes after a downfall, but also how you rise after the downfall," Nico shares.
When asked how he balances the physical demands of freediving training with the need to avoid injury or burnout, Nico shares that it's all about the basics: eat, train, sleep, and repeat. He also reads books and plays musical instruments to stimulate his brain in a more creative way, which he believes helps in balancing life and competitive sport.
Nico hasn't met his Filipino teammates yet since he lives abroad, but he is excited to meet them soon. Regardless of the results, he hopes to feel satisfied knowing that he has given his best.
"I want to thank you all for supporting the Philippine National Team. We are truly honored to represent our country, and we will make you all proud!" Nico says to his current and future supporters.
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Pledge your support to the AIDA Philippines Freediving Team