Help Deena Compete at the Freediving World Championship 2025
Donation protected
Hi, I'm Deena Lynch, and I've been selected to represent Australia at the 35th AIDA Freediving World Championship in Cyprus this September 2025.
In February 2024, my health collapsed and I was no longer able to walk without mobility aids. Now I’m in the freediving national team headed for Cyprus and I need your help to get there!
In early 2024, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a debilitating autoimmune disease. I lost motor control in my arms and legs, experienced chronic pain, and my body was attacking my own nerves, tissues, and organs. As a musician and visual artist, known to many as Jaguar Jonze, I struggled to continue performing and create music in an industry that is mentally and physically demanding. But I refused to accept that as the end of my story.
Then I discovered freediving.
Freediving became more than just rehabilitation—it became my lifeline. It helped me reconnect with my body, regain control, and find healing. Despite needing a walking stick and having to manage daily pain and inflammation, I began training and, little by little, I found my way to my body again and rebuilt my strength and identity. I even began to rediscover the spark and ability to work on new Jaguar Jonze music again.
Why This Matters
I am not your typical athlete... but I want to redefine what that means, and defy the odds to flip the script for anyone who’s been told “you can’t”.
I want to show the world that determination, courage, and representation looks different for everyone. That winning isn’t always about medals and records; it’s about showing up, choosing resilience, and creating space for new narratives in sport.
Freediving has saved my life. Now, I want to use the world stage to raise awareness, share my story with others facing invisible disabilities, and spotlight the intersection of sport, opportunity, and inclusivity.
Here’s the challenge: I haven’t been able to work while focusing on my health. For the past 20 months I’ve had no income, relying solely on my savings and the generosity of friends, family, and supporters to get by.
It’s an incredible honour to be selected as a national athlete. But with no official funding, I need your support to move ahead.
What I Need
GOAL: A$29,589 (only essentials, no luxuries)
To get to the World Championship and give myself the best opportunity, my budget estimate is A$29,589, covering only essential costs:
- The first A$3,476 will go towards professional freediving equipment, i.e. vented goggles and earplugs to prevent Lupus-related eye/ear issues, and competition wetsuits and fins.
- The next A$8,732 will be for the Cyprus World Championship, which includes 30 days in Cyprus to acclimate, train on location, and compete.
- The next A$7,592 will pay for technical training and warm-up competitions, to refine technique and build mental resilience through 57 intensive training days across Indonesia and the Philippines.
- The final A$9,789 will go towards direct support around my health limitations – to keep me safe. This pays for my medical needs, having a coach/support person travel with me, and to ensure I perform optimally and safely.
Every contribution brings me closer – not just to a competition – but to reclaiming a future I never thought possible (even when I was “healthy”).
Join The Team
I’d love for you to be part of this wild journey with me. Whether you can…
- GIVE $5 or $500 or any amount
- SHARE this campaign with your network
- FOLLOW my journey on social media @deenajonze (Instagram)
…your support will help me complete my first ever freediving competitions (and at the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! Omg $&@#%) But on my own terms.
Despite all the lemons life has thrown at me, I am constantly reminded that life can still be an unexpected glass of fresh and zesty lemonade.
Thank you for believing in me.
— Deena (Jaguar Jonze)
Organizer
Deena Lynch
Organizer
Newstead, QLD