In an exclusive chat, we spoke with Zhang Yixian, a talented mermaid performer and competitive freediving athlete, who recently participated in the renowned Vertical Blue competition in the Bahamas. This prestigious, invitation-only freediving event attracts elite athletes from around the world, and this year, five competitors from Taiwan took part. Among them was Zhang, who brought his mermaid costume to the event, showcasing his unique identity. During breaks in the competition, he captivated onlookers by dancing in the water, his graceful movements blurring the lines between human and fish.
The Vertical Blue competition, which draws top international freedivers, challenges participants to dive to incredible depths using various techniques, including rope diving, monofin, bifin, and no-fins. Competitors must reach their determined depth, retrieve a tag from the bottom, and return to the surface within a specified time frame. They must then remove their facial equipment, signal an “OK” gesture, and verbally confirm their well-being. Any premature return, rule violations, or failure to respond timely results in a disqualification.
This year marked Zhang’s second appearance in the Vertical Blue competition. He candidly admitted that his performance didn’t meet his expectations, revealing that he experienced a blackout during one of the dives, indicating a critical lack of oxygen. Freediving’s reliance on breath-holding not only tests physical endurance but also poses significant risks, as time and capability are crucial for success—or survival. Zhang shared that his personal best is a remarkable depth of 100 meters with a monofin. In comparison, the current world record for men’s monofin diving, set by the Russian athlete Alexey Molchanov, stands at 133 meters.
What’s it like to dive to 100 meters underwater? Zhang described the experience as becoming very dark and cold, leading to feelings of loneliness and negative thoughts. He highlighted that his best performances came during moments of joy and self-belief. According to him, physical attributes and skills account for only 40 to 50 percent of success in freediving, with the remaining percentage reliant on mental strength. He likens freediving to a process of self-reflection, where one can confront and reconcile with their emotions in solitude.
Beyond his role as a competitive freediver, Zhang has embraced his identity as a “mermaid.” Not only does he perform underwater, but he also runs a mermaid diving school, teaching students how to swim gracefully rather than merely dressing as a mermaid.
Zhang, once a dancer, turned to diving after an injury ended his time in the spotlight. Initially disheartened by this setback, he stumbled upon freediving and quickly adapted, his former dancing skills aiding him in mastering the sport at an impressive speed. He obtained his coaching certification and now finds fulfillment in teaching others, emphasizing that even after losing his stage as a dancer, he discovered a new one underwater.
As a dedicated mermaid coach, competitions have taken him across the globe, and the stories of his students continuously motivate him. Many view him as a role model, and his lessons offer transformative experiences, especially for those with physical challenges, allowing them to express themselves in the weightless environment of water.
“Water never rejects anyone,” Zhang asserted. “About 30 percent of my students are male. Factors like gender or body type shouldn’t be barriers; the only true barrier is oneself. If anyone has a dream, I’m here to help make that dream a reality.”
