Take a short trip back to catch up with artistic swimming standout Sanchez in Somabay. We caught up with the Colombian just before the second stop of the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup in the Egyptian aquatics hotbed along the Red Sea. 

World Aquatics: We're here in Egypt. How are you feeling overall?
Gustavo: "I'm so happy to be here in Somabay, Egypt; it is my second time here. The weather is a bit cold, but everything is very, very nice.”

World Aquatics: How does competing at this World Cup in Somabay fit your goals for the season?
Gustavo: "This World Cup in Somabay is our first of the year. Since we have new routines, we wanted to present them and receive feedback from the judges and controllers. Our most important goal is the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, so we’re working hard toward that but we’re happy with our performances here."

World Aquatics: You're a World Aquatics scholarship athlete. What does that scholarship mean to you?

Gustavo: "We are so grateful for the World Aquatics scholarship. I think the opportunity is really big for our country because it’s small, and this support helps develop the mixed duet discipline. We’re very thankful and happy to be part of this."

World Aquatics: What impact has the World Aquatics scholarship had on supporting athletes in non-Olympic events like the Mixed Duet?
Gustavo: "This is very important for us, because most of the time, support goes to events that are already in the Olympic Games, but not to the mixed duet, which isn’t part of the Olympics yet. We are very grateful for this opportunity."

World Aquatics: How has the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme influenced your training opportunities?
Gustavo: "We had the opportunity to train in Barcelona with our coach from Spain for one month. Then, the coach came to Colombia two weeks later so we could continue improving."

World Aquatics: How are the training facilities? Do you get everything you need to perform at a high level?
Gustavo: "We have everything. The sports center really, really big and nice.”

World Aquatics: Looking ahead, how do you see your career progressing? You have this great opportunity through the scholarship programme. Where do you hope to go from here?
Gustavo: "We obviously want to be in the Olympic Games. It’s disappointing news that the mixed duet event is not included in the LA 2028 Olympics yet, but we still hope it will be part of the Brisbane 2032 Games. Another goal of mine is to win gold at a World Championships, as I already have a silver medal."

World Aquatics: Finally, do you have any advice for athletes considering the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme who might want to follow in your footsteps?
Gustavo: "Take this opportunity—it really helps you improve and reach your goals."

Lookback | Gustavo Sanchez's Performances in Somabay

• Men’s Solo Free – Bronze medal, scoring 177.5788
• Mixed Duet Free (with Emily Minante) – Bronze medal, scoring 235.1808
• Men’s Solo Technical – 5th place, scoring 196.8166
• Mixed Duet Technical (with Emily Minante) – 8th place, scoring 156.0992

Want to Know More? | World Aquatics Scholarship Programme

Since its launch in 2014, the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme has provided financial and technical support to talented yet under-resourced aquatic athletes. Now in its 11th year, the programme currently supports 50 swimmers, 15 open water swimmers, 8 divers, 7 artistic swimming duets, and, for the first time, 6 water polo players.

Find out more about World Aquatics Scholarships here.