NEW NET BIKINI ASCONA AND 76 METERS UNDER WATER WITH ANNA-KARINA

What fascinates you about freediving?

Anna-Karina Schmitt: Actually, everything. But especially the diving reflex in mammals, the so-called "mammalian diving reflex." We know this from dolphins or whales, which can spend anywhere from a few minutes to hours underwater effortlessly. In humans, this reflex is not quite as pronounced, but it is definitely present! The pulse slows down, and blood is centralized away from the extremities toward the lungs and brain. Mentally, I would describe this state as "meditative." Focused and unfocused at the same time, everything less relevant fades into the background. Especially at depth, another interesting component affects the body: the partial pressure of oxygen. It tricks us into feeling that we have more oxygen available at depth because the pressure rises. That is why experienced freedivers do not feel an urge to breathe during deep dives performed within their own limits. It is a truly indescribably beautiful feeling. A feeling of "empowerment." Almost a bit superhuman or spirited in a positive sense. Until the urge to breathe wakes you up and reminds you it is time to surface. To wake up. Back to the light.

What goes through your mind, 76 meters down in the dark depths?

Anna-Karina Schmitt: In the best case, nothing. Like in meditation, the goal is to be completely in the moment. If you don't succeed, it can, in the worst case, mean that the dive doesn't succeed. That's why it is a very mental sport. But why is that? The dive is divided into several phases, all of which are equally important. The phase before diving, for example. In that phase, I concentrate entirely on correct breathing. If I lose focus and am not in the moment because I might be thinking about something in the future, like "maybe I won't be able to equalize" or "I don't know if I'm fit enough today because I didn't sleep much or am nervous," then I am distracted and can no longer focus on my breath. This can lead to not inhaling properly before the dive. So, in every phase, it is important to concentrate exactly on that and truly be only in the here and now.

How were your dives at the Swiss Championship?

Anna-Karina Schmitt: I really enjoyed participating, even if I was very nervous a week before. The evening before, I was looking forward to getting up and doing what I love most. The next day in the water, my nervousness turned into a focus zone and gave me energy. I enjoyed every moment of the dive! A wonderful experience, despite the cold and darkness. In the end, I was very surprised and happy that I even became the Swiss champion! I hadn't expected that and it definitely gave me a good tailwind for the World Championship in Cyprus. I took part there for the first time just one month later in September and finished in the top 10 best female freedivers in the world in both disciplines. The joy last year was huge, and yet I am looking forward to this year: it starts at the end of May in the pool in Lausanne for the Swiss Indoor Championship, which takes place in the swimming pool. That will be something new for me again. It remains exciting; in this sport, there is always something to learn, but mostly about oneself.

What is it like to dive locally in Swiss waters?

Anna-Karina Schmitt: Very beautiful. I love our green lakes. They also have their peculiarities regarding visibility, temperature, and living organisms, and the beautiful landscapes that exist around them are unique in Switzerland. Lake Seeli near Seelisberg, for example. There are mussels there that grow up to 30 cm long. I am familiar with the species from the Rhine, but the size is truly astonishing. I wonder if that has to do with the altitude. The beautiful landscapes around the Swiss lakes make the trip for diving even more worthwhile.

You said that you always wear a Neumühle swimsuit or bikini under your wetsuit during competitions. Why?

Anna-Karina Schmitt: That's right! I love wearing it under my suits because both designs are simply very comfortable and leave me plenty of room to breathe into my stomach and chest. Many other swimsuits cut in behind the neck or are cut too tight. I also find the material very pleasant. It dries quickly and I also often do yoga in the Neumühle Net-Bikini Biasca top. I also find the colors very appealing. I particularly like the green and blue colors, as both colors represent a sustainable, healthy planet for me. Without the blue of the ocean, there is no green, no trees, and no oxygen for us humans to breathe. Two-thirds of our planet is water. Of course, I ultimately appreciate the sustainable materials! Namely, the fact that the swimwear is made from old fishing nets and nylon waste. There is simply far too much lost fishing gear in the ocean, and I think it's good that Neumühle is raising awareness about this too. We have a problem not only with plastic in the ocean but also with the severe consequences of fishing and its waste. At the end of training, I am always happy to take the neoprene off in the water and dive for another round just in my Neumühle swimsuit.

How does the new Ascona bikini wear?

Anna-Karina Schmitt: I normally wear size 36 and the bikini fits perfectly! It sits very well. Although the cut is rather fashionable, it can keep up with my great urge to move! That is ultimately the most important thing for me when it comes to swimwear.

Thank you very much, dear Anna-Karina.