Turkish diver Åžahika Ercümen set a new variable weight freediving world record after descending to a depth of 100 metres (328 feet).Ercümen plummeted down to the world record depth in just two minutes and 53 seconds, all without an oxygen supply or diving fins.No male or female freediver has ever managed this feat before."I have pride and happiness to bring a new world record to our country in the most important and deepest dive of the year," Ercümen wrote on Instagram."I felt your support through the process again deeply. Many thanks… to everyone who supported me in all circumstances and for holding their breath with me during the dive."The attempt took place at the InceboÄŸaz district of KaÅŸ, in Turkey's southern province of Antalya.Speaking to the Anadolu Agency before her incredible feat, Ercümen revealed she had already broken the world record in training but needed to do it "officially"."We broke the record unofficially in our last training session," she said. "Our goal is to set the record officially... our motivation is very high. We believe that we will break the record."The 36-year-old Ercümen dedicated her success to the 98th Republic Day of Turkey on November 29th.

She also revealed she wanted to raise awareness for a number of important issues.

"I want to use this record to draw attention to issues like climate change, global warming and gender equality, as well," she said.

In addition, Ercümen took the time to dive with women diagnosed with breast cancer, drawing attention to the illness for the Pi Women's Cancer Society in Antalya.

Once in the water, the women unfurled a banner reading: "Our Strength Is Greater Than Cancer."

Ercümen, an ambassador for underwater life with the United Nations Development Program, is a competitive freediver.

She recently earned three medals and broke five Turkish records in the 2021 Vertical Blue freediving competition at Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas.