Wednesday in Budapest, Anita Alvarez’s teammates became worried as they saw her dive to the bottom of the pool during the women’s solo free event.
A professional synchronized swimmer from the United States fainted mid-routine at the World Championships and had to be rescued by her coach after plummeting to the pool’s bottom.
Wednesday in Budapest, Anita Alvarez, age 25, lost consciousness while competing in the final of the women’s solo free event.
Her instructor, Andrea Fuentes, dove into the water and, with the assistance of a man, pulled her to the surface.
Alvarez recovered consciousness shortly after exiting the water and receiving immediate medical attention.
In an Instagram post, Ms. Fuentes stated, “I’m well, and the doctors agree with me,” as well.
She added, “Anita’s solo was also excellent; it was her best performance ever; she just pushed herself to her boundaries and found them.”
We are all aware that it occurs in other sports, such as cycling, the marathon, and track and field… Some participants don’t make it to the finish line, while others finish crawling or passing out.
“Our sport is also quite difficult. Now is the time for rest and recuperation.”
Ms. Fuentes stated on US Artistic Swimming’s Instagram page that Alvarez will be evaluated by doctors on Thursday before a decision was made on her participation in Friday’s team competition.
A swimmer fainted mid-routine before a competition.
It is not the first time that the swimmer for Team USA has fainted in the water.
Last year, Alvarez lost consciousness during a qualifying event for the Olympics in Barcelona. Ms. Fuentes assisted her and she ultimately placed eighth.
Following Wednesday’s incident in Budapest, the coach informed reporters that it was a “major fright” since Alvarez appeared to have stopped breathing.
She declared on Spanish radio: “It felt like an hour had passed. I stated that something was wrong and yelled at the lifeguards to enter the water, but they either did not hear me or did not comprehend.
“She had stopped breathing. I ran as fast as I could, as though it were the Olympic final.”
Her teammates became noticeably disturbed as they observed the unfolding of the tragedy.
