Austrian Herbert Nitsch is a phenomenon. With a single breath, he has reached a depth of 253 metres, redefining the limits of human potential.
‘Each time I think I’ve reached a limit… there is a door… it opens… and the limit is gone.’
Herbert Nitsch has won multiple world championship titles and set 33 world records across all freediving disciplines – an achievement that remains unmatched to this day.
As a self-taught former airline pilot, he brings a unique combination of analytical thinking, mental strength and physical discipline to the stage. His lectures combine extreme sports, science, personal experiences of pushing boundaries and environmental commitment – and they inspire lasting change.
Herbert Nitsch Keynote topics
- Risk & Stress Management
How an elite free diver and pilot analyses and calculates risks, as well as maintaining composure and making decisions under extreme pressure.
- Back from the Depths
The true story behind the world’s deepest dive and the incredible recovery from life-threatening decompression sickness.
- How to become better than the competition
Innovation through lateral thinking – how to set new standards in sport, work and life by taking an unconventional approach.
- The deepest man in the world
Insight into all disciplines of freediving, the psychology behind breathing and the power of the ocean.
- The essence of teamwork
What a pilot and extreme athlete teaches us about perfect cooperation and trust within a team.
- The medical science of freediving
How to gain control over bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure – and what research can learn from extreme athletes.
Herbert Nitsch is an exceptional athlete who has made his mark with 33 world records in all disciplines of freediving – a record that no one else has achieved. He began his career by chance when his diving equipment was lost – and discovered his natural talent for freediving in the process. But his biggest challenge came after his world record dive to 253 metres: severe decompression sickness temporarily confined him to a wheelchair. Doctors gave up on him – but Herbert fought his way back.
Today, he travels the world, gives inspiring keynote speeches, is involved in marine conservation and is an ambassador for Sea Shepherd Global. In his autobiography, ‘Breathing is Overrated,’ he describes his journey through depths, records, setbacks and resurgence.
He is a sought-after speaker on international stages such as TEDx, DLD, and at companies such as Audi, Pfizer, PayPal, Swissair, Novartis and Raiffeisen.
Herbert Nitsch shows that boundaries are there to be overcome – whether underwater, in life or in business.