Congratulations to the Athletes of the Day on Monday at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China: Australian Wakeboarder Noah Bollard, winning Men's Freestyle Final today and Freediver Mateusz Malina from Poland adding to his gold medal on Sunday another one in the Men's Dynamic without fins discipline. The World Games Champions took the stage at TWG Plaza. IWGA Honorary Vice President Max Bishop presented each with a certificate and a watch, courtesy of Tissot. In addition to the watch they received a gift from the Local Organzing Committee as well.
Breath-taking Dives – Mateusz Malina
To truly appreciate what Mateusz Malina achieved at the Chengdu Sport University Sancha Lake Campus Natatorium, you first need to understand a bit about dynamic free diving. Here’s how it works: athletes put on their fins, enter the pool, and take deep, controlled breaths. Then they dive along the 50-meter lane, turn, and swim back — turn again, and keep going. The 39-year-old from Poland did exactly that today — six full lengths plus a few extra meters — covering a remarkable total distance of 310.5 meters. And remember: the entire stretch is completed underwater.
On Sunday, competing without fins, Malina stayed submerged for an astonishing 239 meters before surfacing. Winning not just one, but two gold medals at The World Games 2025 should come as no surprise. The “Polish dolphin” is in outstanding form: at the recent World Championships in Athens, he claimed three titles and set three new world records.
Noah Bollard’s Detour to Gold in Wakeboard Freestyle
Noah Bollard from Australia took an unexpected route to victory in Wakeboard Freestyle at the Chengdu Games. In his qualification heat on Friday at the Sancha Lake Ma’anshan Arena, he finished fifth — hardly the start you’d expect from a future champion. To reach the semifinals, the 19-year-old had to win the last-chance qualification heat one day later. Done! From there, Bollard went on to win his semifinal heat and then the final itself. He topped all three judging categories — execution, intensity, and composition — securing his first-ever victory at a major competition. Sending a message back home, he wrote: “China has been unbelievable! I want to thank all of the organisers and officials for putting on this amazing event.”