“The bronze medal in Paris has given visibility to our sport in our country, because since London 2012 Spain hadn’t won an Olympic medal in artistic swimming,” Txell Ferré tells World Aquatics.

To some, the 12-year gap between Spanish successes at the two most recent European editions of the summer Olympics may not seem like too great a stretch. However, in this – one of the most physically demanding aquatic disciplines – appearing at two Games, let alone three, is extremely rare.

More than a generation of athletes has progressed through the sport since Andrea Fuentes won the last of her four Olympic medals, attained across Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

And to further emphasise the passage of time, Ferré was only five when the her “idol” last stood on the Olympic podium, while Fuentes is now the team’s head coach.

This week Spain will look to build on a spectacular start to the Los Angeles Olympic cycle, with their show-stopping victory in the first World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup of 2025 in Paris, when taking to the water in Somabay, Egypt, from 11-13 April.

“The debut of the Technical Team in the last World Cup was amazing,” she recalls.

“Now we present 12 routines, which is crazy, but our goal is to compete the maximum to get the feedback and prepare for Singapore (2025 World Aquatics Championships).

“I’m going to swim in three events, the Acrobatic and Team Free and also the Technical Duet with Lilou (Lluis Valette), which is really exciting!”

An ‘Unexpected’ Rise Into Senior Swimming With Spain

Last summer, the then 17-year-old Ferré, became her nation’s youngest female medallist at the Paris 2024 Games in what was just her second major international.

It marked the culmination of a rapid rise, which had seen her debut internationally with victories at both the World and European Junior Championships in 2022.

Further successes at that level followed in 2023, before she was part of the Acrobatic team which finished fifth at the Doha 2024 World Championships

Now, just over a year on, she is among a group of “energised” youthful Spanish swimmers seeking sustained success in this new era for the sport in their nation.

“For me, it was a huge honour (to represent Spain at Paris 2024), as it was something I’ve been dreaming of since I started artistic swimming when I was six,” she tells World Aquatics.

“It’s true that it’s an unexpected situation for me because I was the youngest girl in a team who had incredible careers behind them, but that made me grow and learn from them.

“I think we are still the same team, as we’re always determined, persistent and brave, because this sport goes further than a medal.

“Of course, this (Olympic medal) has made us gain more confidence and reminds us that we’re capable of everything if we go together for it.”

Studies, Swimming And Learning From An ‘Idol’

Ferré insists that Olympic success has not changed her life too dramatically, as she is still fully committed to the sport and advancing her skills in the years ahead.

However, the teenager has taken on new responsibilities out of the water, by enrolling in an online Interior Design course via the International University of La Rioja.

Another significant change is the head coach situation within the Spanish Federation, with their most decorated artistic swimmer in history, Fuentes, returning to her homeland after guiding the United States to silver, ahead of Spain, at last year’s Olympic Games.

“Andrea for me is an idol,” says Ferré with a smile. “I discovered artistic swimming thanks to her and her team-mates in their performance during London 2012.

“As a person she is determined, a leader, creative and extremely talented and I hope one day everybody has the opportunity to know her because she does the right things in this sport.

The Olympic medallist continues; “She’s always trying to innovate and stay ahead of the other countries with the goal of inspiring them, so for me there is a lot of pride in learning from her.”

Setting the Standard For Singapore 2025

In the first World Cup of the season Spain contested only the Technical disciplines, but they will compete in each of those as well as the Acrobatic and Free events in Somabay.

“We’re in brave mode with 12 events,” states Fuentes.

“The Free Team showcased in Spain (and it) was very well-received. We need more physical endurance still, but my goal for this World Cup is to prepare the team for Singapore’s World Championship.

The Spaniard continues, “Only competing gives you experiences; nothing simulates it, and mentally managing three days and 12 events is intense.

“But endurance is key for Singapore and I really want them to feel ready for Singapore by using each competition now.

“For Free Team and Acrobatic routine (it will be the) same as last year, going with Paris 2024 (routines) slightly tweaking choreography and adding four new lifts. 

“We are investing the acrobatics on Texell Ferré and Sara Saldana for long-term.”

Ferré says she is “excited” about the journey towards Singapore 2025, where she aims to compete in a “the major number routines” and insists she feels “empowered” by the support she has felt from Fuentes as well as the wider Spanish support team.

“Since Andrea is with the team, she has always supported us and she has adapted extremely fast to the dynamics,” says Ferré. “Obviously she has her own style and that’s amazing. 

“For her it’s super important to get to know what we do and all of the clubs in Spain to inspire and motivate them. Andrea, together with the rest of the staff give us confidence in our skills and boost our strengths.

“I can’t wait to show what we have been preparing for this summer.”

Where to Watch | World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup 2025

Find out where to catch all the action live and on-demand from the Artistic Swimming World Cup stop in Soma Bay, Egypt, here.