Rossana Maiorca was a freediving champion who followed the footsteps of her father, Enzo Maiorca, a legendary figure in the sport. She was born in Venice, Italy, on February 23, 1960, and started diving at a young age. She achieved several records and accolades in her career, including the first single-fin world record in Syracuse in 1989. She was also the sister of Patrizia Maiorca, another renowned freediver. Rossana Maiorca died on January 7, 2005, at the age of 45, after a long battle with cancer.
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A Family of Freedivers
Rossana Maiorca inherited her passion for freediving from her father, Enzo Maiorca, who was known as the Lord of the Deep for his numerous depth records. Enzo Maiorca was born in Syracuse, Sicily, on June 21, 1931, and learned to swim and dive despite his fear of the sea. He started competing in spearfishing and freediving events in the late 1950s and soon became a world-famous athlete. He set his first world record in 1960, when he reached 45 meters underwater, beating the Brazilian champion Americo Santarelli. He went on to break his own record several times, reaching 101 meters in 1988. He retired from competitive diving in 1992, but remained active as a promoter and instructor of the sport. He died on November 13, 2016, at the age of 85.
Rossana Maiorca’s sister, Patrizia Maiorca, was also a successful freediver who competed alongside her father and sister. She was born in Syracuse on July 22, 1962, and started diving when she was six years old. She won several national and international titles in various disciplines of freediving, such as constant weight, variable weight, no-limits, and static apnea. She set her first world record in 1983, when she reached 60 meters with a single fin. She later improved her record to 65 meters in 1987. She also participated in several expeditions and documentaries about marine life and conservation.
A Life Dedicated to Freediving
Rossana Maiorca started diving when she was four years old, under the guidance of her father. She soon developed a natural talent and a love for the sport. She competed in her first national championship when she was 14 years old and won the bronze medal. She continued to train and improve her skills and performance, becoming one of the best female freedivers in Italy and the world.
Rossana Maiorca specialized in the single-fin discipline, which involves diving with only one fin attached to both feet. This technique requires more strength and coordination than using two fins, but also allows more speed and agility. Rossana Maiorca mastered this discipline and set several records in it. Her most remarkable achievement was setting the first single-fin world record in Syracuse in 1989, when she reached 73 meters underwater. She also won several medals and trophies in other disciplines of freediving, such as constant weight and no-limits.
Rossana Maiorca was not only a competitive diver but also an explorer and an advocate for marine conservation. She participated in many expeditions and projects to study and protect the underwater environment and its inhabitants. She collaborated with various organizations and institutions, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Italian National Research Council (CNR), and the Cousteau Society. She also appeared in several documentaries and TV shows about freediving and marine life.
A Battle with Cancer
Rossana Maiorca’s life was cut short by cancer, a disease that she fought bravely for several years. The exact type of cancer that she suffered from is not known publicly, but it is believed that it affected her lungs and other organs. She underwent several treatments and surgeries to try to stop the progression of the disease, but none of them were successful.
Rossana Maiorca died on January 7, 2005, in Mestre, Venice, Italy. She was surrounded by her family and friends who loved her dearly. She left behind a legacy of achievements and inspiration for many freedivers and ocean lovers around the world.
A Tribute to Rossana Maiorca
Rossana Maiorca’s death was mourned by many people who admired her as an athlete and as a person. Her family organized a funeral service in Syracuse on January 9, 2005, where hundreds of people attended to pay their respects. Her father Enzo delivered a touching eulogy that praised his daughter’s courage and passion for life.
Many tributes were also paid by other freedivers and organizations that worked with Rossana Maiorca throughout her career. Some of them included Umberto Pelizzari (a former world champion), Jacques Mayol (a pioneer of freediving), Raimondo Bucher (a former record holder), and the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA). They all expressed their sadness and admiration for Rossana Maiorca and her contribution to the sport and the environment.
Rossana Maiorca’s memory and spirit live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her and those who follow her example. She is remembered as a freediving legend, a loving daughter and sister, and a friend of the sea.
