A stark reminder of the dangers of artistic swimming | CBC Sports

Anita Alvarez sinking to the bottom of the pool unconscious at the end of her free solo routine during the world championships last summer sent shockwaves through the crowd and the sports world.

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[bm]

Hats off to that coach, she saved her life no doubt acting so quickly and not hesitating to jump in. My school teacher once did the same thing because one of my classmates was struggling in the water but the swimming teachers hadn't noticed, at the time we all thought it was hilarious seeing our school teacher fully clothed in the pool but looking back at it now I realise how amazing she was.

[getplaning]

I worked as a lifeguard in college and had to pull a few people off the bottom of the deep end. But I was rested and ready to dive in and bring those people up. I can't imagine how hard it must be to be at your limit of endurance and then realize you have to pull a drowning person off the bottom yourself. Total respect.

[kyleegarcia]

I’m guessing a lot of people are not aware that your oxygen levels will drop as you hold your breath. Holding your breath plus exercising means hypoxia will definitely set in quickly if you’re not getting adequate recovery between dives back under the water. Just like you would pass out if holding your breath while running or lifting weights for too long. I’m so glad she recovered! I always wondered how they do this as I have never been good at holding my breath for long periods of time.

[hellofriend]

With all that adrenaline, and being so used to holding your breath, and being so caught up in the moment, I can imagine hypoxia could sweep in so suddenly and unexpectedly for even the most experienced swimmers!

[jamielancaster]

I remember this she had a seizure! And this was the second time she had a seizure doing her routine. Her coach also saved her that time.

[dorklyasmr]

As awful as that situation with Alvarez was, it totally transformed people's understanding of how challenging this sport is. Now few people think of it as a goofy thing, but a truly impressive sport with real risks.

[lizard-breathOG]

Used to be a life guard and the more muscle & less fat someone has, the harder they are to save. I’m so glad that lady jumped in so quick

[florianmeier]

The risks could be limited by setting the rules in a way not to score higher for extended underwater times and educate athletes and coaches in knowledge from freediving about blackout prevention and treatment.

[mgkfdtg]

They should have scuba divers at the ready to facilitate a rescue. Just the coach alone is not enough!
The sports at the Olympics have become so dangerous and in some cases hard to watch!

[JBaxter-pioj]

Relieved to hear that she is ok. Best wishes to everyone involved in this sport. Considering it's usually dismissed as being not much of a sport, it's good to see this report on the dangers involved. The athletes make it look so easy and that's where the artistry comes in. Thank you!

[whodapple]

For the sacrifices and dedication of the athletes, coaches and family, no matter who you represent, God Bless and good luck!

[a.marcoux]

Scary. So glad that coach jumped in and saved her.

[haleymj]

I've pulled a team member out of the water before. It was after her solo spacing run the day before the competition, she was pushing herself so hard and as soon as the routine was done she just started to sink. She didn't lose consciousness but she started to sink and had no strength left, myself and another teammate were sat at the edge of the deck closest when we noticed and we dove in for her. Thankfully she didn't take in any water and recovered to compete the next day.

[sheyshah]

There should ALWAYS be lifeguards in scuba gear underwater, monitoring the swimmers to ensure their safety. No excuses.

[grandma]

This amount of athleticism is beyond impressive. On top of Beauty and creativity. I do agree with the one commenter that athletes shouldn’t be allowed to stay under so long.

[johannesincalifornia]

I suspect that extra point are given if they do stay extra long times under water. So the blame may be with the rules of the game.

[urgreatestenemy]

There are risks in many sports when people push the boundaries of what is possible there is a risk of going over the line into dangerous territory.

[pallavisharma]

Glad she is fine. I took my daughter off synchronized swimming team, as she was bullied by her teammates and even worse by their parents, for being the only brown girl in white team. And she is such a humbl sweet girl! Sorry Sc aquamaid for speaking out the fact!

[Roddy]

I honestly did not think a person could do that to themselves. I guess it takes Olympic level dedication.

[vlovesred]

This incredibly scary situation probably reinforced the need for all swimmers to be trained in lifeguarding, and CPR. ❤