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Our Ambassadors embody the essence of Below 50, united by a deep devotion to the world of freediving.
Whether they push their physical limits or ignite a passion for our sport in others, our Ambassadors anchor us to the close-knit freediving community.
Above all, Below 50 Ambassadors are authentic individuals who embrace life with all their souls, serving as a source of inspiration to all those who pursue their dreams.
ANTONIO MOGAVERO
Antonio Mogavero is a professional freediving athlete, member of the FIPSAS Italian National Team since 2016. He is able to hold his breath for more than 7 minutes and dive to -115m depth.
Born on January 24, 1997, in the enchanting town of Nardò (LE), Antonio is the embodiment of an Italian freediving specialist, particularly excelling in the demanding deep disciplines of constant weight freediving. His talents set him apart as he became the youngest athlete in the world to conquer the depths, reaching an astonishing -106 meters with a monofin (CWT) at the age of 21. Furthermore, he earned the distinction of homologating this remarkable feat during a competition using only a simple freediving mask. Antonio stands among the youngest athlete in the history of this sport, having clinched world medals at the prestigious World Championships.
Antonio's profound love for the sea sprouted amidst the azure waters of Torre Lapillo, a charming village nestled in Porto Cesareo, within the province of Lecce. The captivating Salentine sea and the breathtaking beauty of the Ionian coast kindled his passion from childhood. As he matured, he made a steadfast commitment to dedicate his entire life to the sea, while simultaneously promoting the values of sportsmanship and fostering respect for the marine environment and all its denizens.
His journey led him away from Torre Lapillo, as his family relocated to Cadoneghe, a city in the province of Padua. It is here that Antonio Mogavero continues to reside, dedicating himself to the world beneath the waves. Notably, he pursued and attained a diploma in Architecture and Environment, demonstrating his intellectual prowess alongside his aquatic achievements.
We take immense pride in welcoming Antonio Mogavero into the Below 50 family. He is not only a champion in his own right but, more importantly, a great human being—an example for us all.
ELENA BARTOLACCI
Elena is a passionate yoga and freediving instructor who holds a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of these disciplines as a means for inner well-being. She believes that yoga is more than just a physical exercise and has the potential to establish a bond between the body, breath, and our environment. Freediving, on the other hand, is the return to the fluid world that welcomed us in our initial stages of life.
From the very first time she experienced freediving she had the feeling of being in a deep meditation state; slipping into the depths, embraced by water, in total relaxation, is to her an indescribable experience that she invite everyone to try.
Having worked with several high-level athletes over the years, Elena estabilshed, in collaboration with Max Musella, Italian record holder in variable weight freediving, 'YogApnea', an all-around yoga protocol for sports and freediving that empowers anyone to overcome their limits while prioritizing overall wellness and safety.
For Elena freediving is not a challenge, but an opportunity to embrace life to its fullest while being our best selves.
JONATHAN AMIOT
Jonathan is a Swiss freediver who works as a carpenter and has a deep passion for the sea.
His aquatic journey began at the age of 10 during a vacation in the Maldives, where he discovered scuba diving. Subsequently, he explored destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand, Egypt, among others.
Around the age of twenty, a friend who was an instructor encouraged him to try freediving. At that time, Jonathan, accustomed to scuba diving, feared that freediving might be a frustrating experience, offering only limited time underwater. Despite this, he accepted the challenge. The initial experiences were intriguing, but the pleasure that followed grew exponentially.
Today, Jonathan is a hardcore freediver, diligently training six times a week and continuing to dive throughout the winter, whether in the sea or in lakes with water temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius! He engages in various disciplines, including depth diving, static apnea, dynamic apnea in the pool, and exploring high-altitude lakes in the Alps or tropical seas.
Jonathan has earned certifications as a PADI and AIDA instructor. He loves sharing his passion by introducing others to the captivating world of freediving, taking immense pleasure in guiding beginners through this fascinating realm.
During his dives, he particularly relishes moments of tranquility, silence, and inner peace found beneath the surface. For Jonathan, freediving transcends the mere status of a sport; it is a philosophy of life, a rendezvous with oneself that contributes to well-being and enhances self-confidence.
PHILIPPE MOREL
Philippe is freediving instructor and AIDA judge.
He discovered the aquatic environment through open water swimming. Every summer, he explored the deep blue of the Mediterranean with his two young children. Frustrated by the fact that he could only dive during his infrequent vacations, he convinced a friend to try a dive at a lake near his home in Switzerland.
Transitioning from the blue sea to the green fresh water was somewhat disconcerting, but the outings became more frequent. First in the summer, then in the autumn, and finally in the winter, with its exceptional visibility and newfound tranquility.
No doubt about it: fresh, cold water was his element.
Even though he is always happy to set a new—and modest—PB from time to time, he is more driven by the desire to discover new diving sites and experiences rather than just performance. Diving in the Blue Lake of Arolla, nestled at over 2000 meters in the Alps, covered with a thin layer of transparent ice and surrounded by golden larches, exploring the pozzi of the Verzasca in the heart of winter are among his best aquatic memories. Sharing these experiences with his best friends is a great privilege.
Nevertheless, he does not disdain chlorinated water and swimming pools—especially the magnificent stainless steel pool at La Motta in Fribourg. It is, in fact, by this pool that he meets with the members of FRI
, the freediving club he founded with a friend. An old dream that took shape at the end of 2022, a wonderful human adventure made of listening, sharing, advice, progress, smiles, and healthy fatigue.