Ep 3. Freediving

In Home Game season 1 episode 3, titled "Freediving," viewers are taken on a journey to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia to witness one of the world's most dangerous sports: deep sea diving without oxygen tanks, also known as freediving.

The episode opens with gorgeous shots of the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, as well as interviews with some of the most experienced freedivers in the world. It quickly becomes clear that this is not a sport for the faint of heart -- the risks involved in diving to depths of over 100 meters without any breathing apparatus are immense. One of the most notable risks is the possibility of "shallow water blackout," a condition that can occur when a diver returns to the surface too quickly and loses consciousness due to a lack of oxygen.

Despite the danger, the island of Sardinia has long been a hub for freediving, with multiple world records set in its waters. We meet several of the island's most accomplished divers, including Davide Carrera and Alessia Zecchini, who are both world champions in their respective disciplines. Davide is a "constant weight" diver, which means he descends and ascends using a weighted sled and his own strength. Alessia, on the other hand, is a "free immersion" diver, pulling herself down and up a weighted rope.

One of the most fascinating aspects of freediving is the mental preparations that go into it. In order to dive to these depths, divers must have an incredible ability to control their bodies and minds. We see Davide undergoing hypnosis to help him relax and visualize a successful dive, while Alessia practices yoga and meditation to center herself. Both athletes emphasize the importance of mental strength in their sport, as even the slightest anxiety or panic can be disastrous when diving at such depths.

The episode culminates in a nail-biting competition, held in a remote corner of the island. Divers from all over the world have gathered to compete in the "Vertical Blue" event, which challenges them to see how deep they can go on a single breath. The spectators are hushed as the divers take turns attempting to break world records, descending into the blue depths and then rocketing back up to the surface. The danger is palpable -- at one point, a diver appears to be struggling just a few meters from the surface, and the safety divers leap into action to rescue him.

Despite the risks involved, it's clear that the freediving community is passionate and dedicated to their sport. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats throughout the episode, marvelling at the incredible feats of these athletes and the beauty of the underwater world.