the world record is 8 min and 6 sec by Martin Stephanek. Many freedivers however have done better than that in training.
The common mistake everyone makes when looking at these breath hold times is that they believe the brain is without oxygen all the time. Well, the body and the lungs contains lots of stored oxygen, so the brain has plenty of oxygen. When the oxygen levels are getting to low in the body, the brain shuts down most of the systems to further save oxygen. This is called blackout, and the freediver is helpless on his own. This is where it gets dangerous. If he doesnt get out of the water with his head, he may drown.
But until the blackout, the brain has got plenty of oxygen..
The training is all about relaxing and controlling your mind.. the diving reflex also helps a lot.
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