Paraguay leads the way in the return of swimming training

"We are proud to say that we are currently leading the world, we are the only ones in the region that has already enabled the practice of high-performance athletes and this is due to the collaboration of everyone, the government for the correct protocol and the people who respected all the sanitary measures," said the also member of the International Swimming Federation (FINA).

Orihuela explained the prevention measures applied at the National Aquatic Center (CAN), where the group of swimmers headed by Benjamin Hockin trains: "We follow all the security protocols recommended by the WHO, the National Government, and the IOC. From the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) and the National Sports Secretary (SND), we have been working on a plan for the return of training." He explained that "athletes, coaches, and even administrative staff have been instructed for weeks on prevention measures such as hand washing, proper use of face masks, maintaining distance, and of course, in case of the slightest symptoms such as a sore throat, seeking medical professionals and not exposing themselves."

He also added that "water is the safest place for training since the disinfection and treatment process is carried out daily and is the most optimal after each practice session. Likewise, we follow the recommendations of maintaining a distance of two lanes, which would be around 1 meter each, avoiding crowds, all following a strict protocol at the entrance and exit."

THE FIRST ONES

Orihuela emphasized that national swimming is one of the first to return: "In Europe, the Netherlands was the first to enable training, then the United States, and then it was our turn. At the moment, we are an example for many countries and they observe how we are gradually reactivating activities."

Regarding competitions, "internationally, everything has already been postponed to 2021."