blain's static apnea attempts and the current world apnea record is comparing apples and oranges I think,
at some level a record breaking attempt becomes comparing one persons genetic O2 conversion factor with extraordinary low resting heart rate and abnormally large lung capacity versus anothers. [although Jaque Mayol with a smaller lung capacity and older than typical age slightly (ok SHATTERS) disproves this theory] the training to get to performance apnea becomming almost pretty much the same.
If Blaine does a world breaking static apnea it still doesnt make him a Diver, or a freediver, just a static apnea illusionist, or at best a static apnea record holder for the next few months till someone more genetically apt and more tenacious comes along. Pezzilari, and all others please step up. Personally I dont think Blaine will beat the World Record or the US static apnea record.
There is some concern that static apnea among newbies, is thought to be likened to dynamic underwater apnea, which is mentally, and physiologically different on many levels. I can forsee a potential danger with determined static land apneists attempting to match PB's prematurely in water at depth only to discover the compression, clearing eustation tubes, swimming, and focus relaxing add interesting factors to a practical dynamic UW breath hold because of Blaines claims and activities, and the endorsement by Freedive professionals, although I am glad he recieved appropriate training for his stunt, it just shows that even with professional training; his attempt was perhaps over ambitious.
Blaine seems to be an individual with Houdinni ambitions for fame and glory.
while the Apnea world has to deal with practical and physical limitations, or at least manage them through conditioning.
I am not a Bubble Blowing Diver, but something tells me that Oxygen used for apnea is a bad idea, similar to hyperventilating, it fools the internal mechanism that senses High CO2 in the lungs to the point of blackout, as well as potentially getting oxygen poisoning. it seems the human form is quite sensitive to chemical extreems doesnt it? perhaps he will only pass out at his personal best and get on with life and another illusion. And the performance and recreational Freediving world can stand on its own as a great alternative sport to Diving on air and exercising in the ocean, or achieving the previously unthinkable with regard to human achievement.
If I were blains trainer, I would recommend that he become a real athelete, run triathlons frequently and develop his anatomy towards a tuned apnea record, otherwise spend more time on a better stunt. I see record breaking Apneists as specialists in a discipline rather than one trick wonders who just so happen to hold their breaths for a long time. It takes real dedicated training to even get close to that.
I am mostly a recreational freediver spearfisherman, and even what I do is apples to the Oranges of performance apnea!
I applaud the performance and capacity of the worlds best and most dedicated apnea participants, but spearfishing for 5 hours at a time is still different enough.
best of luck to all your endeavors under and above the apnea world.
TBGSUB.
once again apples and oranges