“She cannot compete further”: Artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez banned from competition after drowning scare at 2022 World Aquatics Championships

“She cannot compete further”: Artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez banned from competition after drowning scare at 2022 World Aquatics Championships

Anita Alvarez drowning scare

The 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships in Hungary ended in quite the nightmare for Anita Alvarez, who was needed to be rescued by her coach after she almost drowned due to loss of consciousness. Her coach Andrea Fuentes had to take quick action and jump in the water when Alvarez began to go down at the end of her women’s free solo routine instead of coming up.

This was reportedly the second time that Alvarez has had to be rescued from the pool, as she also needed help during last year’s Olympic qualification event. Alvarez was then treated by the medical team, after which she was reported to be in good health. She will take rest for a few days before deciding with the doctors whether she can continue to perform soon after.

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FINA puts stop on Anita Alvarez from further participation at 2022 World Aquatics Championships

Anita Alvarez being rescued by her coach
Anita Alvarez being rescued by her coach

After the incident Alvarez updated her fans and well wishers on Instagram saying that she was okay and healthy. She said that she was on a road to recovery, and still had a few days of competition ahead of her. However, that has been put to an abrupt stop after FINA gave a decision to stop her from competing anymore at the Championships.

“The health and safety of athletes must always come first,” the statement read. “While FINA understands why this decision will have been disappointing to the athlete, it was a decision that was made with her best interests in mind.” FINA is however optimistic that Alvarez will be back soon and competing at future competitions. “FINA is delighted that Anita Alvarez has already made such a strong recovery, and looks forward to seeing her in competition again soon,” said the statement.

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