Olympic medal-winning artistic swimmer and coach Andrea Fuentes is returning to her roots after being appointed as the new head coach for the Spanish national team
The Spaniard won four Olympic honours – three silver and a bronze – during her highly decorated career in the pool, which also included 16 World championship medals and five European titles.
She became the USA senior national team head coach in 2018 and guided the nation at a first Olympic honour since Athens 2004 with Team silver at Paris 2024 earlier this month.
Fuentes will replace Mayuko Fujiki, who helped the Spanish team finish third in France, and had previously revealed she would be leaving the role after the conclusion of the Games.
“It is an honour for me to become the new leader of the Spanish national team,” said Fuentes.
“I will do so with the same passion and commitment that have always guided me, seeking to reach the top in an innovative and attractive way for the athlete.”
In a statement on the USA Artistic Swimming website Fuentes admitted that she was making the move back to Europe with a “heavy heart” but emphasised influence the nation has had in her “growth” both inside and outside of the water.
“I came here with a vision to become the coach I always dreamed of being,” she said.
“The US, a country that changed my life as a child (watching Atlanta 1996) and inspired me to become an Olympian in Artistic Swimming, was the perfect place to pursue this dream.”
Ahead of the Games USA artistic swimming selectors faced a difficult decision about the potential inclusion of legendary athlete Bill May, who would have become the first man in history to compete in the sport at an Olympic Games.
Although difficult to leave him out of the final line-up their decision was vindicated with their landmark Olympic silver in Paris.
“USA Artistic Swimming not only helped me build the coach I wanted to be, but also shaped me into the person I am today,” said Fuentes.
“The growth I’ve experienced here is something I will carry with me forever.”
Fuentes will be joined in Spain by acrobatics coach Victor Cano, who was also seen as instrumental to the USA’s recent international successes.
“Being part of this amazing project has been an honour and a tremendous life-learning experience,” said Cano. “We’ve created something that will be forever remembered within the crazy world of this magical sport.”
Fuentes continued; “Together with Víctor, we will create unforgettable moments, with the intention of contributing something new to the sport and helping its evolution.
“We are ready to give our best and discover the unique personality of this team, which will undoubtedly fill our hearts every day.”
The 2025 World Aquatics Championships – which run from 11 July to 3 August – will be the first major target of Fuentes’ reign with the Spanish national team.