Artistic Swimming Australia (ASA) announced Tuesday a major leadership change at the helm of its senior national team, with Spanish Olympic medalist Paula Klamburg stepping down as head coach and Andrea Fuertes named as her successor.

Klamburg, who took over in September 2022, guided Australia through a period of growth and into the Paris Olympic Games, where the team finished ninth and the duet 16th.

In a statement, ASA praised her “instrumental role in driving the growth of artistic swimming in Australia” and confirmed she will “be moving into a similar high-profile role in the lead-up to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.” Klamburg will conclude her role with ASA in October 2025.

 

Fuertes, also from Spain, has been a key figure in the country’s junior national team coaching staff since 2021. A former member of Spain’s junior national team herself, she medaled at the 2012 and 2014 World Junior Championships before transitioning to coaching.

The 30-year-old has since helped guide Spain’s juniors to a string of international successes, including nine medals — and all three team golds — at the most recent 2025 European Junior Championships. Fuertes also coaches at A.D. Sincro Retiro, one of Spain’s top clubs. She will begin as Australia’s head coach in December 2025.

While ASA did not disclose further details about Fuertes’ appointment, the transition appears swift. She may have likely been the top candidate for the advertised assistant coach role before being elevated to the top position following Klamburg’s departure.

With Fuertes’ leadership, ASA says it remains “firmly focused” on long-term performance goals, including the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

“Farewell and thank you Paula. Welcome Andrea,” ASA said in its announcement.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA MARMET

Cover photo: European Aquatics

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