When the Splash Turns Into a Rescue Mission: Anita Alvarez’s Close Call
It felt like a film‑scene, but with a splash of real‑life danger. At the World Championships in Budapest on June 22nd, American artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez nearly went under before her fearless coach, Andrea Fuentes, came to the rescue.
Who’s the Hero?
- Andrea Fuentes – Spanish legend, four‑time Olympic medalist in synchronized swimming.
- She’s a coach and a lifeguard rolled into one, because when you’re that skilled, you just can’t let an athlete drown.
The Incident
During Alvarez’s solo free final routine, the swimmer lost consciousness & slipped underwater. The crowd held its breath as the athlete sank to the pool’s bottom.
Fuentes didn’t wait for a lifeguard or a quick‑response team. She sprinted into the water like a pro, a rescue pro, a superhero. The coach pulled Alvarez back to the surface, neutralising a potential tragedy.
From Panic to Peace
Once back on dry land, Anita received immediate medical attention. She was immediately moved onto a stretcher for further evaluation.
Fuentes, who saved Alvarez during an Olympic qualification event a year ago (alongside her teammate Lindi Schroeder), explained the situation to the Spanish newspaper Marca:
“Anita is already at her best. It was a good scare, to be honest. I jumped into the water again because I saw that no one, no lifeguard, was jumping in. I got a little scared because she wasn’t breathing, but now she’s fine. She has to rest.”
What’s Next for Alvarez?
In a statement posted on the US Artistic Swimming Instagram page:
“25‑year‑old Alvarez will be assessed by doctors on Thursday before a decision is made on her participation in Friday’s team event.”
So, while the hallway of world‑class competition remains a bustling arena, a swift, courageous act reminded everyone that behind the artistry, real heroes exist in the water.
