"I think it is something that only after a few days I will really understand what is happening. I felt a lot of love and warmth from the people around me here and they have given me a lot of strength."

"Bill May is here and he is the reason why I am swimming right now. He’s helped me so much and it’s an honour to be picking up the mantle where he left it."

"It was so difficult to finish the routine, but I did it, and am proud I will make history for my country. All the boys are doing great performances. It is amazing to be part of this sport."

"That's what the competition is all about. I feel good about everything we have done. I feel very proud of everything we achieved."

"In our country, we don’t have many men - just two in the national squad - so I really hope by doing this it will inspire more and more boys. It’s such an honour. We have to thank those people before us, and hopefully we can inspire the people behind us as well."

"To be part of the first Men’s Solo at a World Championships, it’s a great honour and amazing to be part of this sport."

"It was a really big challenge because I was not planning on participating in the beginning. We had very little time to prepare this routine but it was a great challenge and a great responsibility."

"It’s so amazing to participate in this competition because we’ve been waiting for so long, and now we have a first final for this competition, for this event, and for just men. It’s amazing. I’m so proud and happy to be part of this."

"It is very special and it’s so exciting to see how we are opening the door for the next generation. It was very emotional being in the ready room with Kenny (Kenneth Gaudet), and seeing him perform, and all the new guys that keep coming into the sport. Hopefully, we are inspiring the next generation."

"I feel very proud to not only make the finals of the World Championships but also to be the first male artistic swimmer from Cuba. I'm very happy and proud of the work we've done."