ABOUT
ABOUT MICHAELA
I'm on a mission to help freedivers train smarter, find joy in the process, and unlock their true potential.
I’ve spent my entire life in and around the water - more than four decades now - as a competitive swimmer, pool & ocean lifeguard and even scuba diver. I discovered freediving 16 years ago in Australia.
Now my focus in on working as a Freediving Coach specialising in mental aspects of training for all pool disciplines, specially DNF - Dynamic No Fins. I'm a Guinness World Record Holder, AIDA Judge, and a Certified Freediving Instructor since 2016. I offer comprehensive freediving education through online courses, 1:1 coaching, and immersive training camps in Australia and around the world.
My journey has evolved from record-breaking ambitions to a more holistic and sustainable approach—where training is not just about performance, but about balance, resilience, and self-discovery. My transition into coaching reflects my passion for sharing knowledge and guiding others on their freediving journey.
I live in Newcastle, Australia, with my husband - who also happens to be my best friend and biggest supporter - and three crazy kids.
The sparkle in your eyes which shows up when you do, what you love, becomes a starting point to a grand carnival of your life.”
Hiral Nagda
MY CORE VALUES
MOTIVATION
Freediving is my passion, my superpower, and a way of life. It inspires me to become a better person by deepening my self-awareness and mastering my mind and body with each dive. Each experience offers a chance to be fully present in the moment.
The true artistry lies in applying these skills and insights to my daily life.
ADVENTURE
Circumnavigated Australia with my family.
In 2022 we embarked on a one-year long adventure, circumnavigating Australia with my family in a homemade, purpose-built camper trailer. Adventure is all about embracing the thrill of the unknown, and that’s exactly what we did.
Picture this: a year of living and cooking outdoors, relying on just two rooftop tents for shelter. We traveled over 32,948 kilometers, enjoying 158 nights of wild camping with our three kids under the age of 10. It was a true adventure, and I’m so grateful for my amazing, hands-on husband who made it all possible!
After all, the best things in life are shared.
DETERMINATION
Set a Guinness World Record - "My only competition is who I was yesterday"
I’ve been wearing a bracelet with these words for a long time. It serves as a constant reminder that I’m comparing myself to myself, not to anyone else. Every day is an opportunity to improve. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward, because nothing ever stays the same.
Determination is my commitment to reaching my goals, fueled by resilience, a bit of grit, and a splash of softness that I'm learning to cultivate.
AUTHENTICITY
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”. Oscar Wilde
When I was younger, I often felt like I wasn't enough. Today, I embrace the truth that I am more than enough, and I give myself permission to be my authentic self. Once we allow ourselves to flourish, incredible things begin to happen. The path unfolds, guiding us toward our purpose, and that is truly beautiful.
Dare to dream, work hard and what’s impossible today, tomorrow may become a reality
Michaela Werner
| Year | Freediving Timeline |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Discovered Freediving |
| 2010 | Organised the first Freediving pool Competition in Australia |
| 2016 | Became Freediving Instructor |
| 2023 | Became AIDA Judge |
| 2023 | Became Guinness WR Holder (101 x 25m DNF / 1h) |
PERSONAL BESTS IN POOL
| DNF laps / 1 hour (Guinness WR) | 101 x 25m |
| DNF (Dynamic No Fins) | 150m |
| DYN (Dynamic with Monofin) | 200m |
| DYNB (Dynamic with Bifins) | 175m |
| STA (Static) | 6:08 |
PERSONAL BESTS IN DEPTH
| CNF (Constant Weight No Fins) | 45m |
| FIM (Free Immersion) | 50m |
| VWT (Variable Weight) | 45m |
| CWT (Constant Weight) | 40m |
I achieved these depth results during a month of training in Egypt in May 2024. For the first time, I was able to fully dedicate myself to depth training. More important than the numbers was the joy I felt after my deepest dives—surfacing with a huge smile and sometimes even tears of happiness in my eyes.
My dream was to see The Arch in the Blue Hole, and I’ve accomplished that!
There is still so much deeper to explore and so much more to learn and experience.
JOIN IN THE ACTION
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