Jacques Mayol was a French free diver born on April 1, 1927, in Shanghai, China. He is best known for his remarkable achievements in the sport of free diving, particularly for being the first person to dive to a depth of 100 meters without breathing apparatus. His passion for the ocean and marine life led him to explore the underwater world extensively. Mayol's life and accomplishments inspired the 1988 film The Big Blue, which depicted the beauty and challenges of free diving. He became a symbol of the connection between humans and the sea, advocating for ocean conservation throughout his life. Mayol passed away on December 22, 2001.