Meet the Founders
World-class freediving instructors, record-holders, and pioneers in breathwork and holistic wellness.
Olya Lapina
Co-Founder
Yoga & Breath-Hold Instructor | Mountaineer | Combat Athlete
Olya brings together the ancient wisdom of yoga with cutting-edge freediving techniques and high-altitude mountaineering experience. As a certified yoga instructor trained in pranayama under B.K.S. Iyengar in India and a certified freediving instructor and competition coach, she has developed a unique approach to breath-holding, mental resilience, and mind-body integration.
Expedition & Athletic Achievements
- Summited Manaslu (8,160m) in Nepal — the 8th highest mountain in the world
- Climbed Denali (North America), Aconcagua (South America), Mont Blanc and Elbrus (Europe)
- Expert in rock climbing, ice climbing, high-altitude mountaineering, and combat sports
Teaching & Expertise
Olya teaches breath-holding seminars in Jiu Jitsu academies, yoga studios, and UFC Gym locations, specializing in hypoxia training and advanced breathwork for athletes and high-performers. Her teaching style integrates yoga, freediving, and mental coaching into practical workshops focused on lung capacity building, stress control, and energetic alignment through daily practice.
She combines experience across diverse disciplines to support physical, mental, and emotional resilience, helping students unlock their full potential through the power of breath and movement.
Andriy Khvetkevych
Co-Founder
Breathwork and Hypoxia Expert | Freediving Record-Holder
Andriy is a world-renowned freediving champion and breathwork specialist with an exceptional understanding of the human body's response to hypoxia. His expertise spans breath-hold training, lung development techniques, and holistic health practices that transform lives through the power of conscious breathing.
Record-Breaking Achievements
- Six-time national record-holder in freediving for Ukraine
- One-time national record-holder for the United States
- Extensive expertise in breath-hold training and lung development techniques
Specialized Areas
Hypoxia & Breath-Hold Training: Deep understanding of the body's response to oxygen deprivation, with protocols designed to build mental clarity, emotional regulation, and lung capacity.
Microbiome Education: Expert knowledge of how gut health affects energy, mood, immunity, and productivity. Teaches nutrition strategies for microbiome support and overall wellness.
Holistic Health & Resilience: Practitioner and advocate of holistic health approaches, teaching how breathing, fasting, and microbiome optimization can reduce stress, improve focus, and support addiction recovery.
Dopamine Management: Specialized training in resilience and dopamine regulation strategies for peak performance and mental well-being.
Our Mission
Together, Olya and Andriy have created FreeDiveFest to share their combined expertise in freediving, breathwork, yoga, and holistic wellness with the global community. Their mission is to empower individuals to unlock their physical and mental potential through the transformative power of breath, connecting people worldwide through the art and science of freediving.