Anita Alvarez describes photos of her dramatic pool rescue as 'beautiful'

American artistic swimmer fainted and dropped to the bottom at the end of her individual routine and was saved by her quick-thinking coach

A member of Team USA (R) swims to recover USA's Anita Alvarez (L), from the bottom of the pool during an incendent in the women's solo free artistic swimming finals, during the Budapest 2022 World Aquatics Championships at the Alfred Hajos Swimming Complex in Budapest on June 22, 2022. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Anita Alvarez of the United States receieved medical attention of fainting in the pool. AP

Anita Alvarez is helped from the pool after collapsing during the artistic swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships. AP

USA's Anita Alvarez sinks to the bottom of the pool after fainting. AFP

A member of Team USA goes to help Anita Alvarez who has fainted during the women's solo free artistic swimming finals. AFP

A member of Team USA goes to help Anita Alvarez who has fainted during the women's solo free artistic swimming finals. AFP

Anita Alvarez is helped from the pool after fainting at the World Aquatics Championships. AFP

Anita Alvarez is helped from the pool after fainting at the World Aquatics Championships. AFP

Anita Alvarez is helped from the pool after fainting at the World Aquatics Championships. AFP

A member of Team USA dives to help Anita Alvarez who had fainted in the pool. AFP

Anita Alvarez receives medical attention after fainting during the World Aquatics Championships. Reuters

Distressed fans and teammates after Anita Alvarez had to be rescued from the pool after fainting. AP

Anita Alvarez receives medical attention after fainting during the World Aquatics Championships. AP

Anita Alvarez is helped from the pool after collapsing during the artistic swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships. AP

Anita Alvarez is helped from the pool after collapsing during the artistic swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships. AP

Anita Alvarez receives medical attention after fainting during the World Aquatics Championships. AP

Anita Alvarez is helped from the pool after collapsing during the artistic swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships. AP

Anita Alvarez of Team United States competes at the World Aquatics Championships before her collapse. Reuters

Anita Alvarez of Team United States competes at the World Aquatics Championships before her collapse. Getty

American artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez said she was "shocked" when she saw the "beautiful" AFP photographs showing her sinking unconscious to the bottom of the pool and being rescued by her coach at the World Swimming Championships.

Alvarez fainted and dropped to the bottom at the end of her individual routine and was saved by her quick-thinking coach. AFP's underwater robot camera captured astonishing images as the drama unfolded.

Alvarez, who was unconscious throughout, told Spanish media she was moved when she saw the images.

"At first I was shocked," she said. "I didn't expect something like this to be published. But then I took it in my stride. I didn't want to look at it negatively.

"Now I think the photos are beautiful, in a way. To see me down there in the water, so peaceful, so quiet, and to see Andrea coming down with her arm outstretched trying to reach me, like a superhero."

When she saw Alvarez sinking and lifeguards standing watching, coach Andrea Fuentes, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, dived to the bottom of the pool and dragged Alvarez to the surface.

Alvarez said the photos also reinforced her love of her sport.

"Sometimes the most peaceful place on earth is underwater: when you sit at the bottom of the pool in silence. You feel you are weightless, you are with yourself. I love that. Sometimes I need that moment. And in the photos it all looks very natural."

The USA artistic team released a statement from Fuentes on Thursday saying Alvarez had fainted due to the effort expended during the routine.

Jacobs said Alvarez could still take part in the Team Free Final on Friday.