The success of synchronization through the eyes of a judge: "Andrea Fuentes has a magic wand and those girls killed it in the water."
The success of artistic swimming has a name of its own, namely Andrea Fuentes, two extensions in the water, namely Iris Tió and Dennis González, and a team that believes in what it does and has come close to achieving the perfection that Spain can aspire to at the World Swimming Championships . Four gold medals and nine medals in total certify the best participation in history.
Gabriela Viglino has been a synchro judge since 1999, runs a swimming school in Argentina, and holds a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences . For 25 years, she has traveled the world, witnessed the rise of Anna Tarrés in Spain, and the emergence of Ona Carbonell. She now speaks to La Vanguardia from Singapore to explain, through the eyes of a judge, this team that has made history.
What did you think of this edition of the World Cup?
It was fascinating. For the audience, it was a spectacle. As a judge, I'll tell you that we've rarely had the opportunity to award so many tens, because what they did was truly worthwhile. Now we have so many points to evaluate, so there's no problem awarding tens if that's what it was; then there may be other lower marks for other elements. I think there's been a more artistic wave, there are more creative, sensual choreographies, others with strength... Today the most innovative wins.
It's curious that in an art form with obligatory elements, which is sometimes described as repetitive, the artistic impression is the most relevant. What do you mean by artistic impression specifically?
In artistic impression, there are three elements to evaluate. Choreography is the coach's creative signature for and with the swimmers. Performance, which shows the personality or strength of each athlete, the gift of connecting with what they do and with the judges and audience. And finally, transitions, which are the movements that unite the hybrids. They can be crazy. The one who uses their body the most has the best chance of winning. Facial expression, torso, shoulders... everything speaks volumes in the water.
Read also Andrea Fuentes' successful method was inspired by a book that changed her world: "A technician can kill talent." Alberto Martínez
Has the bar been raised because countries have already adapted to the regulations?
Countries have already adapted 100 percent, but perhaps there are teams that didn't dare or didn't understand how to use the new rules, but now they do. And if we talk about the podiums... Once upon a time, you knew more or less what was going to happen. The predictions were predictable. Now they aren't. Any error in the execution of what was declared falls under the famous 'base-mark,' which erases all the difficulty the coach has created for that movement and awards only 0.5 to that hybrid or figure. At the beginning of the system's use, it was very cruel, and the base marks were too many. We've softened it. We try to favor the athlete. That penalty kills your ranking. Either everyone improved a lot, or today we're more permissive (smiles).
And what did you think of returning from Russia?
They are and always will be among the top groups; they're excellent. Although, in terms of artistry, there's a shift in the judges' views. Spain's passion brought her ten points; her performance was unique. You couldn't ask for more. And China... what choreography, too. You have to understand the styles. Spain is passionate, China is delicate. Both choreographies were tremendous. It's difficult to determine where the judges' score is going; that's the game.
And how do you explain Spain's super success?
They have extraordinary choreography. Andrea has a magic wand. But she played with the passion of those girls; they killed themselves in the water. You could see their expressions, movements, and joy. Not everyone can do it. They manage to reach heights and don't fall. But China, Italy, Mexico, France, the US, Greece, and Russia also did it. But Spain had a unique passion for what they do, that drive.
Why were they so special in Spain and how do they determine the judge's score?
They were unique, original, different... I seek to be amazed. Beyond what the audience wants, I already have a lot of experience, many Games, so what I want is to be amazed, and I seek more. And Spain gave me the choreography La Locura, which you didn't know what else to aspire to.
Spain gave me the choreography for La Locura, you didn't know what else to aspire to."
One of the big stars was Dennis González. How have you seen his development?
I love him very much. When Dennis started, he was fast-paced, he never stopped, he was too much. Now he's more mature, he's more experienced, and it shows in his movements. He's right on time. He feels what he's doing; it's inside him. Watching him is a joy.
You've judged Gemma Mengual, Ona Carbonell, and now Iris Tió. How do you compare them?
They're different. I'll tell you about Iris. What I value first is her personality. She's incredibly humble, correct, attentive, kind... She's very humble, having won so much. She lowers her head, as if she's ashamed to say she's a champion. I've never seen her climb the mountain. I've known her well, since she came to Argentina with Mayuko Fujiki. This swimmer has such mastery and flexibility in her movements, and her presence in the water is special. And she's adaptable; she's in the mixed duet, the team, the solo... She's unmatched.
She was passionate about music and played instruments. Do you think that helps her accompany the music?
It's definitely a quality. The artistic side is my favorite. But that's a gift she's had since she was little. She's aligned with music. We paint with our bodies and music, and she has that sensitivity; the pool is her painting. But she's a hard worker and a good companion, otherwise they wouldn't have thrown her the party they did.
Read alsoAnd what about Andrea Fuentes and her synchronization revolution?
I've known her since she was training at the CAR. When she performed the Tango with Ona Carbonell at the London Olympics, where they won silver... I hold that duet in my heart; I feature it in my performances. It's one of my strongholds. She grew. She took off, lifted the United States, and triumphed in Spain. She loves choreography and understands it as a quality of life. She does it so that others can understand it, and enjoy it. You could understand what the choreography is about without knowing the title or without being told the theme. And that's not so easy.
Spanish trainees are all over the world...
Because of her artistic gift, Anna Tarrés sowed all of that.
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