The story is more than just competitive: his dive is part of the “Not Breathing” drive to support the Autism Center, attended by his 17-year-old daughter Saša
A new world record was set on Saturday, one for the Guinness book, when Budimir Šobat held his breath for 24 minutes and 11 seconds. The attempt took place in a pool at the Zagreb Fairgrounds. After the clock passed 24 minutes and 3 seconds, the previous world record, the crowd around the pool began to applaud. Šobat heard them, he says, and surfaced soon after. He added he could have kept on going, but he agreed with his coach the current time would be sufficient, as Zrinka Korljan reported for Jutarnji List on February 24, 2018.
Photo: Ivana Nobilo
“I was nervous, but positively. I had surpassed the time twice before in training, so I knew I could do it, but training is different than the official attempt. I have to admit, when I heard people clapping, I was not euphoric. Honestly, I began thinking what else I have to get done today,” said Šobat.
He says he does not feel he has done anything more special than what other parents with autistic children do. A mom who makes cookies and shares them at the Autism Center or a dad who takes his and two more children to the dentist have done as much as he has, he feels.
Photo: Ivana Nobilo
“Our society is sensitive enough about children and adults with autism, but there is always room to do more. I want every person with autism, no matter where they live, to have equal conditions,” stated Šobat.
Translated from Jutarnji List.
