Olympic synchronised swimming champion Alla Shishkina has called on US officials to carry out deeper checks on Anita Alvarez, who on Friday was banned from competing in the team event at the World Championships, to figure out why she fainted and had to be rescued by her coach.
Alvarez was competing in the final of the women’s solo free event when she lost consciousness midway through her routine in Budapest, Hungary. The 25-year-old, who has suffered similar health scares in the past, began to sink to the bottom of the pool before coach Andrea Fuentes saved her life.
Fuentes leapt into the water fully clothed and dragged Alvarez to safety along with the assistance of a male lifeguard. Alvarez regained consciousness soon after being rescued from the pool, and the American received first aid immediately.
