Enzo Maiorca, a life in apnea challenging the abyss. The great Sicilian diver remains an extraordinary example of passion for sport and boundless love for sea. His passion began when he was only 4 years old on the coasts of his Syracuse, his hometown. The magic of the waves, the depth and the mystery of the abyss fascinates him to such an extent that the sea becomes his real home.
Mallorca talks about its passion for the sea in some publications: "Headlong into the blue: life and deeds of a world record holder", "Under the sign of Tanit", "Apnea school", "The sea with a capital M". The Mallorcan feeling for the adventurous charm of the abyss is narrated in television reports, articles and even in films. The last one is'Momentum'which outlines the portrayal of 16 world-class freediving champions.
Enzo Maiorca, freediving and historical records
In 1960, at the age of 29, Enzo Maiorca began his long career of diving and records. For the first time he dives to the bottom of the sea without cylinders, managing to reach a depth of 45 meters in one minute and eighteen seconds. Majorca beats the previous record of 44 meters, set a month earlier at circle by Amerigo Saltarelli, Brazilian engineer son of Italians.
It is the first of a long series of successes that consecrates him 'king of the abyss'. In fact, until 1976 he will continue to dive in apnea, surpassing himself every time. Majorca's last big affirmation dates back to 1988 when he conquers his last record at a depth of 101 meters, of course always and only with the help of his lungs.
Enzo Maiorca and the experiments in the States
In June 1990, the great Majorca was invited to the United States for experiments at the University of Buffalo's diving physiology and pathology center. And, in June 1993, he is the protagonist of the discovery of the Veniero submarine who had disappeared in 1925.
Strenuously carries on the battle to defend the sea and the ecosystem against drilling and the wild overbuilding of the coasts. Out of respect for the marine fauna, he becomes a vegetarian by no longer eating fish.
The scholarship in memory of Rossana Maiorca
Later the Maiorca family dedicates a scholarship to marine biology students in memory of Rossana, Enzo's daughter, who died prematurely in 2005 due to cancer.
Enzo Maiorca and his eternal rival Jacques Mayol
The life in apnea of Mallorca is intertwined with a double thread with that of the diver Jacques Mayol, his eternal rival. Theirs is a waltz of records, conquered and killed by diving, where the sea is always bluer. Mallorca and Mayol introduce the world to the fascination of freediving: a unique and compelling experience that tests man's physical abilities with the power of the sea.
It is Mayol, the dolphin man, who first descended to less than a hundred meters in 1976; in 1983, at the age of 56 he reaches under 105. Mayol commits suicide in 2001, Mallorca disappears in 2016.
The big blue
His long challenge with Mayol inspires "The big blue”(Le Grand Bleu), the Luc Besson film that opens on Cannes Festival Part 1988. A film production that gets a great success. The two kings of the abyss continue to be a shining example for those who love the healthy principles of sport and for those who defend one of nature's most precious assets: the sea.
(Photo Facebook Enzo Maiorca / www.enzomaiorca.com)
