Not all failures are supposed to be morose, some really are stepping stones to success. As the dust settled on the final qualifiers for the Paris Olympics, the synchronized swimming world witnessed bittersweet moments. In 2022, World Aquatics announced a historic decision allowing men to compete in artistic swimming at all global podiums, thus increasing visibility as well. Bill May, a trailblazer in synchronized swimming, aimed to make history as the first male athlete in this event. “Every day I think about the Olympics and being there with our coaches and teammates. It’s such a dream,” he shared earlier in April.

Now, Anita Alvarez, a seasoned figure in synchronized swimming, reflects deeply on the recent trials where her longtime partner narrowly missed securing a spot in Paris. Despite May’s determination, he fell short of qualifying for the national team. Amidst the disappointment, Alvarez cherished their shared journey and the lasting impact of their partnership on the swimming world in a recent Exclusive Interview with EssentiallySports.

In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Anita Alvarez spoke about Bill May not being on the Olympics roster for Paris. When host Atharv Phadke asked why May wasn’t picked to make the Olympics team, she said, “You know, there was going to be a hard decision no matter what. There were 12 of us in the squad who qualified the team and unfortunately they had to, you know, pick eight with a ninth as the alternate.” Naturally, everyone was fighting for their spots, and unfortunately, Bill May did not make the cut. However, the team must carry on and trust that the best decision was made for this team to win the Paris Olympics. 

She acknowledged that everyone was competing fiercely for their spots, but sometimes things don’t pan out the way they are supposed to. Alvarez said that the team must move forward and trust that the best decision was made to enhance their chances of winning at the Paris Olympics. She emphasized in the exclusive interview with EssentiallySports on the judges’ decision, saying, “it’s been such an honor to swim alongside him. And yeah, you know, we just have to carry on and trust that the best decision was made for this team to perform their best in Paris and keep moving forward.”

Seeing that ignited an insurmountable level of fire and hope in the younger Anita Alvarez. Witnessing May on the podium with, as the USA national anthem resounded, and the flag was raised, was one of the most special moments, according to her. Alvarez further praises May for being friendly, energetic and a kind soul. During the trials this year, May competed in the women’s 100m Freestyle, 200m freestyle and 800m freestyle events. In the 100m swim, he finished 8th overall with a time of 53.70s. Additionally, in the 200m, he came 6th with a time of 1:57.05s.

He finished 7th in the 800m with 8:29.80s. Though he did not make the team, his presence changed the way artistic swimming is perceived as only a women’s sport. It aided the category of being viewed as truly gender neutral. On the other hand, Alvarez did her own bit to diversify the team. Her performance as a Mexican-American Olympian has broadened the horizon to encourage other people of color to join the sport. 

Bill May’s legacy: Revolutionizing the world of Synchronized swimming

As far back as 2000, Bill May won the Grand Slam at the 2000 Jantzen Nationals. He was named the US synchronized swimming athlete of the year in 1998 and 1999. In 2015, he became the first man to win a synchronized swimming gold medal at a major event and put the USA’s name on the map for the event. He won the mixed duet technical event at the FINA World Championships. He won a silver in the mixed duet that same year. 

However, for most of his life, he was barred from competing on the elite stage like the Olympics, as it was considered a “female-only sport.” Through his hardworking attitude, however, he won over 14 national championships throughout his career. Furthermore, May was famous for his duets with swimmers, Kritina Lum, and Christina Jones. Together, they captured several titles internationally, especially in Europe. He won a silver medal in the 1998 Goodwill Games as well. Moreover, he returned after a decade of retirement to compete again. At the age of 36 in 2015, he became the first American man to win a gold in the mixed duet event.

During the Pan American Games last year, Bill May was part of the US team that won silver on the podium. Now, as Anita heads to the Olympics this year, she aims to uphold the standard created by Bill May with his decades-long career. Talking about competing with Team USA in Paris, Alvarez told Olympics.com, “Every time we compete, we gain a new sense of confidence in ourselves and what we plan to show in Paris. It also teaches us that there’s still tons of room to grow.” As fans eagerly await Anita Alvarez leading Team USA at the Paris Olympics, her insights offer a glimpse into the team’s preparations and ambitions. Share your thoughts on her journey in the comments below!