Stig Severinsen can hold his breath underwater for 22 MINUTES

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Stig Severinsen is the holder of multiple records in diving using his 'State of Zen' technique to control his breathing
Also swam 500ft underwater in 2mins and 11secs
Mr Severinsen, 41 from Aalborg, began free diving in 2003
By the end of first year of practising he had already broken three records

Published: 07:05 EDT, 1 August 2014 | Updated: 16:08 EDT, 2 August 2014

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These photographs show a world record holder in training – a man who can hold his breath underwater for 22 minutes.

Stig Severinsen - nicknamed The Man Who Doesn't Breathe – is the holder of multiple records in diving using his 'State of Zen' technique to control his breathing.

In October 2012, Mr Severinsen broke the record for the longest time breath held voluntarily by a male by spending 22 minutes with his head submerged in a pool in London.

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Stig Severinsen has written a book called Breatheology which helps people find their 'inner dolphin' - a state of mind to help control breathing underwater

He also holds the record for the longest underwater swim, travelling 500ft (152m 40cm) in just two minutes and 11 seconds.

The 41-year-old from Aalborg said: 'After holding my breath for 22 minutes I actually feel quite ok.

'The most stressful time is usually before the dive but then I get into my zone.

'I've always loved water - from splashing around as a baby to trying to grab as many rubber animals in a single breath.'

Great Dane Stig Severinsen swam almost 170 yards underwater in just two minutes and 11 seconds

While those around him use flippers and breathing apparatus, Stig Severinsen merely needs a pair of goggles

Mr Severinsen began free diving in 2003 after a recommendation from his underwater rugby coach.

By the end of his first year of practising he had already broken three records and he spent almost ten years perfecting his meditation technique before breaking the 22 minute dive.

The Dane has written a book called Breatheology which helps people find their 'inner dolphin' - a state of mind to help control breathing underwater.

Getting into the zone: 'You have to get into a truly meditative state where you leave all your troubles behind'

The cold does not seem to bother Stig Severinsenas he jumps into a hole cut into the ice

Stig Severinsen - nicknamed The Man Who Doesnt Breathe -swims fearlessly alongside other ocean dwellers

Stig Severinsen with Doctor Martin after his 22 minutes underwater stint

He explained: 'Your heart rate drops, blood pressure changes and your mind shifts.

'This helps alter your brainwave activity alters and you feel in perfect happy balance with your life.

'You have to get into a truly meditative state where you leave all your troubles behind.

'To do this I like to focus on one subject - something like a loved-one or a journey I've taken.'

Mr Severinsen has now retired from breaking records and is spending his time teaching his techniques to everyone from kids swimming clubs to the military.

Into the zone and into the water: Stig Severinsen - nicknamed The Man Who Doesn't Breathe - getting ready to hi the water (left) and in the briny (right)