Apnea Media Base

If you're interested in how the body reacts to severe stress, whether it be encountered at great depths, high altitude or heavy exercise, researcher Claes Lundgren says, "It is useful to push the body to its limits. These conditions allow you to look at how the body reacts as if it were under a magnifying glass." Lundgren is Director of the Center for Research and Education in Special Environments (CRESE) at SUNY Buffalo, which is set up to determine how humans cope with extreme conditions.

Under the magnifying glass in Lundgren's studies is "the diving response," a universal reaction shared by all mammals, including humans, seals, dolphins and whales, to going underwater. And Lundgren's studies - including seven New York Sea Grant-funded projects since the mid-1980s - provide new data to better understand how humans and other mammals sharing this deep diving mechanism cope with underwater conditions.

• All divers, freedivers and spearfishers of any age
• All people who know someone who freedives…pass it on!
• Dive buddies
• “Accidental Rescuers”, you never know when you might need to rescue someone!

From Freediver.com:

Mehgan is an accomplished athlete, actress, model, wild animal handler and spokesperson for several major companies. In1996 she received national and international recognition when she established the first-ever United States freedive record for both men and women by diving unassisted to a depth of 155 ft on a single breath of air. Less than a year later she took the plunge again breaking her own record with a successful dive to 165 ft.

At the age of 10 the life of this Minnesota native changed drastically when Mehgan's mom remarried and the family moved to the Florida Keys. It wasn't until she was 17 however, that Mehgan learned how to freedive to depth. A fashion model since the age of 14 Mehgan is no stranger to the spotlight. Her comfort in front of the camera, natural beauty and talent in the water led to a guest star appearance on 'BAYWATCH', and a starring role in the UPN Blockbuster Movie of the Week 'Avalon: Beyond the Abyss'.

In 1998 Mehgan was named Captain of the first United States Freedive Team to compete in the Freedive World Cup held in Sardinia, Italy. In February of 2000, she was inducted into the Woman Divers Hall of Fame for her contributions to the diving world. That same year, with fellow freedivers, Manny Puig and Mark Rackley, Mehgan hosted a reality series on the Animal Planet Network entitled EXTREME CONTACT. This series was a ratings success and created an international awareness for the team's unique style of exploration and work with alligators, various shark species and other marine predators. Mehgan starred in a one-hour special for the USA Network titled DEEP DIVER: Tiger Shark Odyssey. DEEP DIVER was selected by both the Los Angeles and New York Times in their BEST BETS to Watch list.

Mehgan has been a featured guest on David Letterman, Good Morning America, MTV, Ripley's Believe it or Not and Primetime Live to name a few. In print media she has appeared in publications such as People, Life, FHM, Muscle & Fitness, Outside, Cosmopolitan, `W' and USA Today. She is an ambassador for Omega Watches representing their Seamaster line. Her diving accomplishments were featured in a national, prime time Energy Bar commercial for SlimFast. In December 2003 Mehgan will be featured in another commercial as spokesperson for the international launch of Alberto VO5's new line of hair care products called DEEP SHINE.

Mehgan has studied the art of acting at the Howard Fine Studios as well as Martial Arts with famed Hollywood stunt coordinator Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez. During the past year Mehgan's animal interest had her venturing onto land in Malibu, CA where she obtained hands-on experience learning to train, and perform stunts with exotic animals such as lions, tigers, chimpanzees and birds of prey for movies and television.

Most recently, Mehgan added feature film work to her list of accomplishments. Director Gore Verbinski, asked specifically for Mehgan to perform difficult underwater stunts for the hit film PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. Since then, many more films and directors have requested Mehgan for her beauty and unmatchable skills for underwater filming.

Although her accomplishments have required her dedication and hard work she is quick to credit her faith in God and her family for her success. Admired for her energy, discipline and strong will Mehgan naturally became a positive role model for kids and teens. She is a living example that if you believe in yourself and work hard anything is possible.

From the television screen to magazine covers, Mehgan Heaney-Grier is a success story in the making. She is a woman comfortable accepting challenges and possesses the determination of a dedicated athlete. With her acting talent and athletic ability combined with her beauty and sense of daring, Mehgan's potential is truly limitless.