My Story
My Story
My name is Jade Macdonald-Razvi. I’m 28 years old, born and raised on the sun-soaked coastline of Perth, Western Australia. With a rich, multi-ethnic background and an unshakable love for the ocean, I’ve always felt most at home in or near the water.
Though I’m a passionate traveller, my compass often swings back to the quiet rhythm of Perth — a small city that continues to shape my sense of stillness, strength, and connection to nature.
From a young age, I competed at an elite level in both swimming and tennis. However, my sporting career was cut short by a severe back injury, which led to nearly a year of intensive rehabilitation. This chapter of my life became a powerful testament to my resilience, determination, and commitment to understanding the body’s capacity to recover.
What began as a setback ultimately became a turning point - one that inspired my career in occupational therapy and eventually led me to the transformative world of freediving.
My Freediving Journey
My freediving journey began in November 2022, when I completed my Molchanovs Wave 1 and 2 certifications. At the time, I was an avid scuba diver, but I found myself drawn to the quiet power of those around me diving without tanks — moving effortlessly through the water on a single breath.
It didn’t take long before I caught the freediving bug. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion. I was captivated not just by the sport, but by the community, the mental discipline, and the profound connection to breath and body it demanded.
That curiosity led me to Fuvahmulah, Maldives, where I immersed myself in learning about tiger sharks and the dynamic, respectful relationship they share with freedivers. Every experience has deepened my understanding of this sport — not only as a physical practice, but as a form of mindful exploration and self-trust.
Freediving & Competition
I entered my first freediving competition in September 2023 at the Australian Championships — and walked away with 2nd place nationally. That moment was a turning point. I knew then that I was made for this sport.
Since that debut, I’ve competed in two additional international competitions, including the prestigious World Cup, where I placed 3rd overall in the women’s category. I’ve secured first place in Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), ranked in the top 10 of all time globally, and proudly hold three Australian national records.
Each performance has reinforced not just my capability, but my commitment to this path. I know this is just the beginning — and I’m only getting deeper.
Life Outside of the Ocean
Outside of diving, I work as a Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal Occupational Therapist — a role I’ve held since 2018. My professional background includes spinal rehabilitation, clinical practice with elite national and international athletes, and working with performers through the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). I’m passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies, whether they’re in recovery, high performance, or somewhere in between.
In addition to therapy, I teach group reformer Pilates and clinical rehabilitation Pilates, with a strong focus on breath-led movement. This work allows me to blend science with somatics — bridging physical resilience with nervous system awareness, both in and out of the water.
Breathwork
Breathwork has become a cornerstone of my practice — both personally and professionally. I design and facilitate workshops that explore the power of breath through education, movement, and self-awareness. These sessions cover breathing mechanics, practical techniques for improving CO₂ tolerance in sport and daily life, and how breath can influence the nervous system to support resilience, recovery, and performance.
I’ve had the privilege of working with The Resilience Shield as a retreat facilitator for female military veterans, where I presented on optimising the female body, functional breathing, and how freediving has deepened my understanding of self-regulation and strength. For me, breath is more than just a tool — it's a gateway to presence, power, and possibility.
Training
Living in Perth means I don’t always have access to the depth required for competitive freediving — but that hasn’t slowed my progress. Instead, I’ve developed a base training routine that keeps me strong, adaptable, and connected to my goals year-round.
A typical training week includes pool and apnea-focused sessions, gym or CrossFit sessions to maintain strength and power, and regular movement-based practices including Pilates and yoga. I also integrate daily breathwork and meditation to support nervous system regulation and mental clarity.
Even without depth, I train with intention — preparing my body and mind for when I do return to the ocean.
Goals & Ambitions
My goals in freediving are both personal and performance-driven. I’m working toward standing on the podium at the upcoming and future World Championships, with a focus on the Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) discipline — my passion and strength. Ultimately, I want to be recognised among the best in the sport.
But beyond competition results, I’m driven by a deeper pursuit: to explore the furthest depths I’m capable of reaching — both in the ocean and within myself. Freediving is my way of testing the boundaries of possibility, of discovering how presence, trust, and patience can unlock new layers of potential. With each dive, I aim to go deeper, not just in meters, but in understanding and connection — one breath at a time.
