Anita Álvarez was saved after she passed out in the pool in full competition and scared everyone at the Budapest World Cup

the American Anita Alvarez starred in the big scare of the day at the World Swimming Championships held in Budapest, Hungary, after he passed out in the pool while performing his exercise routine in the individual synchronized swimming free final.

Alvarez remained submerged in the water for a few minutes until Spaniard Andrea Fuentes realized that something was wrong and dived to save her. The accident was only in fear of her thanks to the prompt intervention and intuition of the coach.

After exiting the pool on a stretcher, the swimmer was immediately rescued by doctors and paramedics. Fortunately Alvarez has recovered and is out of danger, although as reported by the US team in the next few days she will be subjected to various tests to try to reveal the causes of the fainting.

Last year, while at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers, the American swimmer went through a similar act in which she could also be helped.

From the Popovici coup to the fall of Dressel

The Romanian David Popovici became the new world champion of the 100 meters freestyle in Budapest at the age of 17, a competition in which the multiple American Olympic champion Caeleb Dressel, who withdrew from the event for medical reasons, stood out for his absence. specified.

Popovici, who will turn 18 in September, won with a time of 47.58 and relegated France’s Maxime Grousset and Canadian Joshua Edwards, who crossed the line in 47.64 and 47.71 respectively, and completed the podium.

Dressel’s absence was undoubtedly the highlight as the seven-time Olympic champion also withdrew from the event.

Dressel, 25 years old and who in this World Cup had won the title in the 50 meters butterfly and in the 4×100 meters relay, deserted for medical reasons not specified by her environment.

“After some consultations, Caeleb, his coaches and the medical team decided it was best to withdraw from the World Cup,” the US team said in a statement after a hectic day.

“Our priority will always be the health of our athletes. We will provide Caeleb with the necessary assistance to recover as soon as possible,” adds the note.

“For her long-term health, this was the right decision,” said Lindsay Minintenko, CEO of USA Swimming, who did not provide details to protect privacy. of the athlete

“It was Caeleb’s decision,” clarified the leader explaining Dressel’s reasons, who on Tuesday set the second best time in the 100m freestyle and retired before playing the semifinals.

Sources: EFE and ANSA