Deep Water | Tortoise Investigates

Sam Zenifu, a Greek pool and depth diver, shares his concerns about a viral freediving video that glorifies dangerous behavior, prompting critical community reactions. Fernando Bezo Silva, an emergency doctor specializing in lung injuries, provides insights into the medical risks of lung squeezes and the frequency of blackouts during elite competitions. They discuss the complex issues of doping in the sport, the impact of social media on influencer behavior, and the need for more research on the long-term effects of these risks.

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.

William Trubridge, a New Zealand freediving world-record holder and organizer of the Vertical Blue competition, shares his pivotal role in the 2023 doping scandal. He dives into the controversial decision to search athletes’ luggage, revealing shocking finds of pharmaceuticals and benzodiazepines. Trubridge faces accusations of bias while grappling with the intense atmosphere during the investigation. The fallout leads to mixed reactions within the freediving community, alongside concerns of safety when sedatives are involved in extreme diving.

Lydia dives deep into the world of freediving in Kalamata, Greece, while investigating doping allegations. She uncovers rumors about record-breaking performances and examines the use of benzodiazepines in the sport. The podcast reveals the risks of using sedatives underwater and raises concerns about safety as the sport grows. Divers express fears about the normalization of experimental substances and the tensions brewing in their closely-knit community. The atmosphere thickens with the promise of a dramatic confrontation in the future.

In this discussion, elite freediver Gary McGrath and world-record holder Dave Mellor share insights into the exhilarating yet controversial world of freediving. Gary reveals the allure of Dean's Blue Hole and the sensory experience of deep dives. Both guests confront the troubling doping rumors that have shaken the community, detailing the emotional upheaval among divers. They also explore the tension between competition and the sport's spiritual roots, emphasizing the ongoing struggles for integrity and unity in freediving.

Three years ago travel writer Lydia Gard discovered freediving almost by accident. It’s an extreme and beautiful sport defined by one simple objective: to dive as deep as you can on one single breath. Record holders are now routinely diving to more than 120 metres, pushing the sport and their bodies to find out what’s humanly possible.Through her coach, Lydia was drawn into a small but fanatical community of competition athletes all united in their drive for depth, and that’s where she stumbled on a darker side of the sport. Rumours swirled that a group of top divers were doping to get deeper, faster. As the community began to turn on each other over the allegations, one prominent diver decided to take the law into his own hands. A secret sting operation was meant to put an end to the problem by bringing the alleged dopers out of the dark, and into the light. But the issue hasn't gone away. And now, a lot of people who’ve been too scared to speak up, are ready to talk. Episode 1 will be available to listen to on Tuesday 18th November.Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Reporter - Lydia Gard Producer -  Gary Marshall. Music supervision and sound design - Karla PatellaSound design - Rowan BishopPodcast artwork - Lola Williams Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne Executive producer - Basia Cummings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carola Vinuesa, a geneticist involved in notable cases like Kathleen Folbigg's, and Katerina Bakoyani, an investigative journalist from Athens, dive deep into the tragic case of Roula Pispirigou, accused of murdering her three children. They discuss the flaws in the police investigation and the potential for genetic testing to challenge her conviction. The conversation highlights how media portrayal influences public opinion and raises critical questions about justice and the role of scientific evidence in the courtroom.

Carola Vinuesa, a scientist at The Francis Crick Institute, shares her groundbreaking work that applies genetic discoveries in legal settings. She discusses the heart-wrenching case of Kathleen Folbigg, who was wrongfully imprisoned for her children's deaths. As new genetic evidence emerges, Vinuesa highlights the emotional turmoil intertwined with the legal battle for justice. Listeners are taken through a poignant journey of hope, healing, and the critical need for scientific accountability in the courtroom.

Join leading geneticist Carola Vinuesa, who investigates disease genetics, and law professor Emma Cunliffe, author of "Murder, Medicine and Motherhood," as they delve into the tragic case of Kathleen Folbigg. They discuss the emotional fallout of wrongful conviction and the harrowing prison experience of a mother labeled a child killer. Explore the critical role of genetic testing in uncovering the truth, the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists, and the intersection of science and justice as they seek to illuminate a path toward Kathleen's innocence.

Journalist Rachel Sylvester dives into the chilling narrative of Australia's worst serial killer and the mothers ensnared in tragic accusations. The podcast dissects the flawed statistics that led to wrongful convictions, spotlighting the harrowing tales of Kathleen Folbigg and Sally Clark, both victims of misapplied justice. It critiques the legal system's reliance on inaccurate expert testimonies and challenges societal biases against mothers, illuminating the urgent need for a reevaluation of how child death cases are prosecuted.