leedlism
a purported fact that is often inspired by real events then exaggerated to incredible proportions so as to no longer be considered a fact.
Leedlism: 'The female world record holder for freediving could hold her breath for half an hour.'
Real fact: the womens' world record for breath holding is 7 minutes 30 seconds.
Real fact: the womens' world record for breath holding is 7 minutes 30 seconds.