U.S. Coach prevents a possible tragedy, rescues artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez at World Championships

Anita Alvarez, an artistic swimmer, participating in the swimming world championships, fainted while competing. Sensing trouble, the US swimming coach, Andrea Fuentes, responded immediately and saved her.

Fuentes sensed a mishap when she saw Alvarez sink to the bottom of the pool, motionless. Alvarez was performing her solo routine at the time when she fainted. Fuentes dove in immediately and swam to Alvarez, who was inactive. She put her arms around Alvarez's body, lifting her to the pool's surface. After that, another individual helped them get out.

The incident occurred on 22nd June 2022, after which Alvarez received immediate medical attention. On 23rd June 2022, she said that she felt better. Anita Alvarez is a two-time Olympic participant who is adept at swimming. She fainted during her performance which caused this accident.


Responding to the accident, the USA Artistic Swimming stated that the medical staff had evaluated Anita Alvarez and would monitor her continuously. They added that she felt better and was resting for a day.

Furthermore, the USA Artistic Swimming team said that watching the incident unfold was traumatising for their community. Praising Alvarez, they said she gave an impressive solo performance and competed skilfully in four preliminary and three final competition rounds held over six days. They, however, did not confirm her participation in the free team final, which would be held on Saturday, 25th June 2022. They said that her participation would be judged by the medical staff basis her health.

On 22nd June 2022, Alvarez ranked seventh in the individual final.

On the other hand, Andrea Fuentes talked about the incident on her Instagram. She wrote that the doctors checked Alvarez's vitals, and everything was found normal. She stressed that these things happen in other high-endurance sports as well. Noting further, she said that people have seen some athletes falling short of the finish line and others helping them to reach there. Even in swimming, athletes push their limits and sometimes find such limits.