When Small Victories Become the Greatest with Stig Pryds

In January 2013, Stig Pryds reached a turning point after five years with psoriatic arthritis - a chronic disease with severe pain and bone changes that he describes as a pain and medication nightmare. He had gone from self-employed entrepreneur to early retirement and experienced himself as a shadow of who he once was.

A chance introduction to breathing exercises opened the door to freediving and a talent he never knew he had. He left behind his medication, wheelchair, and crutches, and instead found footing in dietary changes, yoga, and consistent training routines. The results followed: Danish and Nordic records in free immersion (102 meters), bronze at the 2015 World Championships, silver at Vertical Blue 2016, world record for the longest dive in open water on a single breath (180 meters, 2017), and victory at Blue Element 2018.

Today, Stig Pryds works as an elite freediver, lecturer, and personal coach. He shares his story and breathing techniques through lectures, 1:1 coaching, and the concept "Pusterummet" (The Breathing Room), which helps people and workplaces regain calm and focus. During the lecture, he also shares concrete breathing exercises with the audience.