In the 2009 Rome World Championship, Gemma Mengual bid farewell to synchronized swimming in style. Six silvers and one gold for the Spanish team, with a superb performance by the Catalan in the solo event, which almost beat the Russian. Six years later, Mengual, winner of over 40 international medals and pioneer of synchronized swimming in Spain, returned to competing in a World Championship in the mixed free duet event with Pau Ribes: "The experience was fun. I enjoyed it, it was different from what I did before. I was nervous, although I know the pressure wasn't the same as before, but you get nervous because you perform in front of judges and you want to do well. It was manageable nerves. It went by quickly, we interpreted our music and I am very happy with the result."
Alongside her, Pau Ribes, who also admitted to having goosebumps before going out. "I was somewhat nervous, everything was new to me, but I always had it under control. The experience was unique. We know what we have failed and we will fix this for the final," said Ribes, who was amazed by Mengual's ritual before competing. "She told me to do my thing and concentrate."
The young swimmer, 19 years old, is happy for this opportunity and recognizes that having Mengual by his side is a guarantee. "You go with confidence having Gemma's company. I am very happy and it is an honor, I am learning a lot with her." However, the coach admitted that "I don't think she will continue after this World Championship" despite acknowledging that "I am not as tired as in previous times I swam this routine."