US artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez has been barred from competing in today’s World Championships team final.
On Wednesday afternoon, Alvarez fainted during her individual routine in Budapest, and she was miraculously rescued by her coach, Andrea Fuentes.
The swimmer had hoped to compete in the final today, but she has been ruled out by the International Swimming Federation just hours before the event.
Alvarez appeared to have a good chance of participating. Fuentes stated yesterday that she was confident the swimmer would continue to represent her country following the results of the tests.
Fuentes then shared a video on Instagram of members of the American synchronised swimming team clapping and smiling as a doctor explained the results of Anita’s tests.
However, as the US team prepared for the event and before Alvarez was banned, the head of the Hungarian medical service, Bela Merkely, told local media ahead of time: ‘There are different types of athletes. Some people can tolerate variations in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Others, however, are more sensitive. She is one of them (Anita Alvarez). This is probably not the sport for her.’
Fuentes dove into the water on Wednesday to save the 25-year-old as she sank to the bottom.
