Deep Water | Tortoise Investigates Don’t hold your breath | Deep Water Ep4
15 snips
Dec 2, 2025 
In a compelling discussion, Boris Spajic, a former Croatian freediver and national team coach, reveals insights into the culture of freediving and the role of money and professionalism in ethical choices. Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency, offers a deep dive into doping enforcement and the complexities of defining what constitutes doping. Together, they explore the systemic issues of corruption, the moral dilemmas faced by athletes, and the challenges of policing small sports, highlighting the urgent need for cultural change to protect athletes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mixed Messages On Benzodiazepine Use
- Lydia Gard uncovers voice notes suggesting mixed messages about benzodiazepine use among top divers.
- A coach warns against benzos publicly while privately admitting experimentation and carrying pills to events.
Coach's Moral Wake-Up Call
- Boris Spajic meets Lydia in Kalamata and describes freediving's problems as cultural, not just individual.
- He argues money and professionalism changed motives and ethics in the sport.
Money Reshaped Freediving's Incentives
- Boris says the infusion of money professionalised freediving and corrupted morals.
- He frames the core problem as human nature and incentives, not solely drug use.