SPANISH international swimmer Tina Fuentes has died aged 34 after battling against cancer, reveals her sister Andrea, who is on the same team.
Synchronised swimmers Tina and Andrea and their colleagues netted a silver medal in the 2002 European championships and again in the world championships in Barcelona the following year, as well as in the technical routine class at the world finals in Melbourne in 2007, where they also scooped up the bronze in freestyle.
According to the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN), Tina and Andrea loved their sport 'with a passion' and contributed a great deal to their country's success.
The RFEN says Tina was 'a very genuine person' who 'lived life in a very unique way' and 'enjoyed every moment with the maximum intensity'.
Andrea, 35, wrote an emotional tribute to her younger sibling on Instagram in three languages.
“Travel well, sister. We've held the big party you wanted: without drama, sharing great moments, different and special just like you, with drums, salt, petals and fire, in the full moon with the sea in the background and the best company. All of those who were there today thank you for all we've lived through with you. Thanks to everyone who has given their love and shared their experiences with Tina,” writes Andrea in Spanish.
In catalán, she continues: “I love you, little sister. Thank you, thank you and thank you again for all the wonderful times with you,” then, in English, “Rest in peace, my sistá.”
Tina is pictured first on the left with her team in the above photograph.
Tributes have poured in from the sporting world, especially the synchronised swimming circuit.
