Corhonda Dawson, a mother of two and an occupational therapist in Memphis, is now the fastest scuba diver to dive on all seven continents.

According to Guinness World Records, she accomplished the remarkable feat in just 11 days, 19 hours, and 23 minutes, dismantling the previous record of 19 days, 19 hours, and 40 minutes, set by Barrington Scott in December.

Beginning her global dive in almost freezing waters in Whalers Bay, Antarctica, Dawson completed her mission on April 13 in Los Angeles, accompanied by her daughters, Kia and Nya Bolton, who are also scuba divers.

Throughout her journey, Dawson had a specific plan of action that she followed that led to her success.

“The strategy was to always go on a west line. So, from west to east. Never north, south. So, I didn’t lose time, and so I was always traveling east,” Dawson told local news station WREG.

Dawson faced severe inclement weather in Rio de Janeiro, and then she traveled to Portugal, Tangier, Dubai, and Sidney.

“It was a storm. It was very rocky water. A lot of divers would have passed on it, but I had to get it done because I had limited resources, and so I needed to get every dive done. It was in and out. Land, dive, wait your time out, and get on a plane,” she said

With more than a decade of diving experience, Dawson has gone around the world twice in 320 days. Back in November, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to dive in the waters off all the continents. Dawson said that she wants Black women to be seen as “adventurers.”

“When I first started this trek, it was only about becoming the first African-American female. The first woman to dive all of the oceans of the world,” Dawson said. So, when I did it the first time in November, and then he came and beat me, and then I had an opportunity to go back, I was like, well, you do know I’m from Memphis, right? So, I was like ok, it’s time.”

Kia Bolton experienced seasickness, but underwater anyway. She said, “It was a dream come true to be there with her mother.”

“I am more proud than I can express, honestly, ”Kia Bolton shared.

Dawson is thrilled to share the special moment with her children, and she hopes that setting the Guinness World Record will inspire others, especially Black women, to become scuba divers. She also acknowledged her family, friends, and her travel group, Aurora Expedition, for helping her set the amazing record.

“In my mind, I think of swim, dive, thrive, right? And so before I can ever get anybody to dive and try to save the ocean, you’ve got to be able to swim, right? Dawson said.

While she doesn’t have another expedition planned, Dawson is looking forward to spending time in Memphis.