This is about five minutes longer than the previous world record set in 2021 by another Croatian freediver, Budimir Šobat. This means the lungs can store more oxygen and sustain a longer breath hold. To increase the oxygen in his lungs even more before his world record breath-hold, Maričić inhaled pure (100%) oxygen for ten minutes. Even without extra pure oxygen, Maričić can hold his breath for 10 minutes and 8 seconds. When we hold our breath, the brain senses the build-up in carbon dioxide and triggers us to breathe again.