The Freediver Who Held His Breath for 24 Minutes

Earlier this year, writer Sean Williams profiled Budimir Sobat, a freediver from Croatia with a superpower straight out of the X-Men movies. Sobat, 60, can calm his body and mind to a state that resembles death—his body systems slow and use barely any oxygen. This state allows Sobat to hold his breath for almost a quarter of an hour. Sobat has spent years perfecting his craft; nothing has aided his ability more than his daugther Sasa, whose health concerns require round-the-clock care from her parents. Williams story, The Man Who Held His Breath for 24 Minutes, took readers into Sobat’s complicated world. His story is our latest Long Read on the Outside Podcast.