Coach Andrea Fuentes jumped into the pool after watching the 25-year-old artistic swimmer sink to the bottom at the end of her routine in the women’s singles free event.
Fuentes, a four-time Olympic medalist in synchronized swimming, lifted to the surface before helping Alvarez to the edge of the pool.
Alvarez received medical help next to the pool, Reuters reported, and was later carried in a stretcher.
According to Reuters, it was the second time Fuentes had to save Alvarez after he jumped into the pool during last year’s Olympic qualification event and pulled him to safety along with American swim partner Lindy Schroeder.
“We sometimes forget that this happens in other high-endurance sports. Marathons, cycling, cross country … we’ve all seen images where some athletes don’t make it to the finish line and others need them to get there.” Let’s help,” Fuentes added.
“Our sport is no different from others, just in a pool, we cross boundaries and sometimes we find them. Anita feels well now and the doctor also says she is fine.”