[Erik]

This is the kind of thing that has kept me out of all other competitive sports, and probably helped direct me to freediving. I am drawn to competitive freediving mostly to challenge myself and to meet other like-minded people, not to "thrash enemies", such as in pro sport mentality (ie: we're better than you!). Hopefully gentle and respectful people, that will become friends in the true sense of the word. Obviously some people's egos are more important than the sport they love.
I'm pointing fingers at both sides. I wasn't there for all the crap that has gone on between these two factions, but it certainly reeks of lack-of-tolerance from both. On one hand, I've read of the huge effort on the part of AIDA to consolidate, define and promote the sport. On the other hand, I have read some mud-flinging from AIDA members. Pipin seems to promote Pipin; maybe he needs a proper marketing agent to promote IAFD in the a more altruistic light.
The points on the press release have some validity; if Pipin is beaing accused of making his own rules and receiving record rankings from his own agency, then he has the right to question some of AIDA's practises. However, I know that Kirk was not Eric's trainer, but even if he had been, there was more than one judge present at the attempt as per AIDA rules. I just don't like the tone of the press release in some parts, although it SOUNDS as if the IAFD has been trying to work with AIDA.
With Andollo's attempt, I read that she chose not to retrieve a tag, chose not to wear even one dive computer (2 is better), and the video camera malfunctioned, so there was no physical evidence of the record. I'm sure no-one doubts that she did it, but if she is awarded the status, then shouldn't Eric Fattah ask for his ranking to be set at -88 metres? He brought up 2 computers that said 88 metres on them during training. I think the AIDA ruling on Andollo's attempt was fair...the rules are specific, and they were not conformed to. Next time, after spending thousands of dollars (lira) and tons of time training for a world record, she will use some redundancy to assure that it pays off,no? I sure as hell would.
As Peter says, remember that it's fun to freedive, whether it's spearfishing, performance, or looking at the sand in 1 metre vis.
Now the disclaimer: I wasn't there, I read this stuff on the net and in the paper. We never know the full story, and I am usually ambivalent about things that happen out of my sight. But if it ever gets in my face, then I will more than likely lose a lot of my ambivalence.
I don't mean to offend anyone,especially those with good intentions- in fact I wish the opposite, and I apologise to anyone who takes offense.
Cest la Vie,
Erik Young