Synchronized swimmer Anita Alvarez lost consciousness on Wednesday during her practice at the World Swimming Championships in Budapest. The American had to be pulled out of the water by her coach Andrea Fuentes.
25-year-old Alvarez shocked the audience when she suddenly sank to the bottom. Her Spanish coach Fuentes, herself a successful synchronized swimmer in the past, did not hesitate for a moment and jumped after her pupil.
“I had to do it, because no one was interested in the organization,” Fuentes told marca† “I was scared because I saw that she wasn’t breathing, but luckily she’s doing very well now.”
Alvarez was taken to the side and received immediate medical attention. She does not seem to have benefited from the unfortunate incident, but has to undergo tests in the coming days to determine the cause of the fainting.
Alvarez competed in the Olympics twice. Last year she was voted best synchronized swimmer in the United States.
Anita Alvarez was removed from the pool as quickly as possible.
Anita Alvarez was removed from the pool as quickly as possible. Photo: AFP
Coach Andrea Fuentes eventually got help from someone from the organization.
Coach Andrea Fuentes eventually got help from someone from the organization. Photo: AFP