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100-year-old diver sets his sights on Lanzarote record attempt
Modesto Villaverde hopes to celebrate his remarkable milestone with a dive that could put his name in the Guinness World Records
Turning 100 hasn't stopped Modesto Villaverde from planning his next adventure. The retired Spanish policeman and experienced scuba diver is hoping to mark his milestone birthday with a dive in Lanzarote that could see him become the world's oldest scuba diver.Villaverde celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday August 18 and already has plenty of diving experience behind him. His most recent dive came at the age of 96, when he took to the waters of the Red Sea.
Now, four years later, he's hoping to go one better.
His grandson says Guinness World Records has already accepted Villaverde's application for the record attempt, although the dive will have to meet a number of specific conditions.
It must take place in open water, reach at least 12 metres and last for a minimum of 30 minutes. A qualified diving instructor must also be present to witness the attempt.
The family has spent several weeks looking for a diving centre that can help turn the plan into reality, with Lanzarote their preferred choice.
A diving centre in Playa Blanca has already indicated that it is willing to support the attempt, which the family hopes can take place in September or October.
That isn't the only option being explored. Villaverde's family has also been talking to diving organisations in Egypt and the Middle East, with Red Sea diving authorities helping them look for a suitable operator.
For the family, though, there is a clear favourite.
They want Villaverde to make the attempt in Spain and, if everything comes together, become a record holder at the age of 100 while diving in his own country.
The proposed Lanzarote dive would therefore be about more than simply celebrating a remarkable birthday. It would give Villaverde the chance to return to something he clearly still loves, while taking on a challenge that few people would contemplate at any age.For now, the family is waiting to secure the local support needed to make the attempt possible. If that happens, Lanzarote could provide the setting for a very unusual piece of sporting history this autumn.
Image: Circulo DE Gendarmeria Nacional/Facebook
