US swimmer Anita Alvarez watched on as her teammates finished ninth in the artistic swimming women's team free final at the World Championships in Budapest. The 25-year-old suffered a life-threatening scare when she fainted in the pool whilst competing in the final of the women's solo free event on Wednesday.
She was rescued by coach Andrea Fuentes, who jumped into the pool and dragged her to safety with the help of a lifeguard. Sadly for the New Yorker, she was banned from taking part in the team event just two hours before it was due to begin.
She was replaced by Yujin Chang, who was battling injury last week, and made her championship debut in the process. Although she was unable to compete, Alvarez was on hand to root for and congratulate her colleagues after their performance.
