In Alicante this week, young swimmer Aitana Crespo is taking part in the European Junior Artistic Swimming Championships. Her goal is clear: to reach the podium in all five disciplines she will face this week.
“The dream is to score 5 out of 5, to stand on the podium in every event. It is a bit surprising that the main power, Russia, is not present in Alicante this time. I believe it is very possible to secure a medal and show strong performances”, Crespo stated to the FER Project.
The 17-year-old from Alicante will compete in free duo, tech duo, free routine, tech routine and the combined event. She already knows what it means to stand on the continental podium, having earned two bronze medals in the free team and technical team events at the same championship in 2021.
The Alicante athlete is excited to perform at home. She noted the importance of managing emotions and staying focused, especially with family, friends and supporters watching closely at a European Championship.
The most synchronized talent
Cesar Hernandez
“I am especially excited to compete in front of my grandparents in the stands. I hope this becomes a motivational boost”, he said. He began his first figures in the water with his sister Lara, at the Maristas pool where he joined a swimming course and coaches immediately recognized his talent for synchronized swimming. Since then, his path has been marked by significant national and international success. At 13, he moved to Madrid to train at the highest level in a modernization center, pursuing excellence in the sport.
One of Alicante’s most important sports weeks is here. The European Junior Artistic Swimming Championships will run in Alicante until Sunday, July 3. The event brings together the world’s best in the discipline, with many aiming to qualify for the World Cup.
In the near future, Alicante will host another major championship. The Tossal Municipal Pool is ready to welcome competitors who will thrill the crowd, as the continent’s rising stars compete at the Youth European Championship. The city has already seen artistic swimming stars perform at the Infantas Trophy, where prominent athletes celebrated victories and prepared for the Paris and Rio cycles with hundreds of athletes in attendance. The city’s youth have grown more interested in the discipline in recent years.
Alicante to host the Junior European Artistic Swimming Championships
Cesar Hernandez
The opening ceremony of the championship took place yesterday. All modalities and routines, whether individual, duet, mixed or team, will be performed throughout the day, ensuring a continuous flow of performances.
Alicante City Council Sports Councilor José Luis Berenguer commented: “The city is proud to host this important event again. Artistic Swimming has many supporters and the European Junior Championships, now accessible to audiences worldwide, will highlight our community. We invite residents from the Sports Department to visit Monte Tossal Pool and enjoy the best in this discipline.”