Vitomir Maricic, a Croatian freediver, may not have squatted 800 lbs like Ronnie Coleman, but even his 661 lbs squat took netizens aback, since he did it underwater.

Maricic is famous for his exceptional breath-hold ability and endurance. But this achievement looks unearthly, considering that he did such a grueling exercise without breathing. Maricic's feat also earned him a Guinness World Record for the heaviest underwater squat.

On February 10, the freediver shared the video of the entire process on his Instagram. The caption to his post read, "An achievement far tougher than it looks. Huge thanks to my incredible team..."

When Maricic is not underwater, he usually lifts around 210 kgs, and this was his base for his underwater squat. He told HRT magazine, “We increased the load gradually, 220, then 260, and finally 300kg (660 lbs). It was challenging, but we made it.”

Maričić is a professional freediver, instructor, and strength and conditioning coach. Over the years, he trained in multiple sports and studied sports science. During his time, he discovered freediving and went on to become a multiple world champion and world-record holder, and a member of the Croatian national freediving team.

Maričić is no stranger to setting remarkable records. In 2025, he set the Guinness World Record for the longest voluntary breath-hold by a male by staying underwater for 29 minutes and 3 seconds. Before that, he set another record for the longest underwater walk on a single breath, covering 107 meters in a pool.

But while Maricic seemingly has a habit of creating records, fans couldn't resist reacting to his underwater squat record. 

How did Fans React to Vitomir Maricic's Underwater Squat?

Maricic's impressive feat garnered praise and applause from all over the world. On social media, all the comment sections were filled with positive comments.

One user commented, "People underestimate how hard that is with only one breath of Oxygen."

A user even made plans for Maricic's future, writing, "What’s next 10000 in space," while another one wrote, "Lift the Titanic next."

One user questioned the feat, writing, "Does it not weigh less!?" And got an answer from another netizen, who said, "Considering buoyancy that's ~260kg, still impressive."

One bodybuilding fan made this comment, "I already know Ronnie Coleman in his prime could've done 1000 lbs underwater."

But Maricic holds a world record to prove the worth of his feat, which needs no comparison with anyone.

Are you brave enough to try to break Maricic's record? The field's open.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Souvik Roy