Yasemin Dalkilic was born in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, on May 2nd, 1979. She first fell in love with the sea while watching old Jacques Cousteau’s TV programs, since the closest ocean to her native city was more than 800 kilometers away! It was only during the summer holidays that she would get a chance to indulge her passion while vacationing with her family. At age 14, she was already a member of the national Monofin swimming team, where she stayed for several years and set several Turkish records. By the time she was 16, she had already established herself as the best freediver in her country, and the upcoming start of this elitist sport. In 1998, she competed in Freediving World Cup as part of the Turkish team and she clinched the first place among the women.
A year later, in 1999, Yasemin made an acquaintance that would change her life. International trainer Rudi Castineyra, who had discovered and trained Tanya Streeter, the reigning world champion, to three world records, had heard about Yasemin and was very impresses with her potential and willing to help her. After their first meeting over the Internet, Yasemin started a training regime designed by Rudi which maximized her potential in a short time Which lead to grand total of 7 world records with the deepest dive to 120 meters. Yasemin also enjoys music, where she is an accomplished piano and guitar player, loves to listen to Jazz and an evening at the movies is her perfect night out. Yasemin is 1.63 meters/ 5’4’’ tall, weights 52 kilos/ 114 pounds and has a lung capacity of 6.3 liters, of which she observes: …”Lungs are not essential for freediving, it’s your desire that counts.”