Sylvia Hernandez Mendizabal
CEO, Head Coach & Artistic Swimming Visionary
“Water has always been my home. Coaching is my way of sharing that with others.”
About Sylvia
Born and raised in Madrid, Sylvia has been immersed in the water since infancy. Her love for movement, creativity, and the ocean eventually led her to make Algarve, Portugal her base.
With over 30 years’ experience in synchronized and artistic swimming, Sylvia has shaped athletes from beginners to world-class competitors. Her commitment to both technical excellence and artistic strategic view defines her coaching style.
Experience & Achievements
Ph.D. in High Performance Sport at Universidad de Castilla La Mancha
Educated in Sport Science at Polytechnic University of Madrid
Coach educator for Spanish and Portuguese federation
National coach in Portugal Switzerland and Spain
National coaching certifications in swimming and synchronized swimming
Instrumental in coaching Portuguese duet to top 8 finishes (Olympic qualifications World championships Qatar 2024) under her guidance
Sylvia blends scientific rigor and artistic instinct — developing perceptual awareness, sculling mastery, and musical fluidity. She trains athletes to feel the water as much as they move through it..
Specialities
Artistic Swimming Technique & Figures
Tecnique & Routine Design
Team Synchronization & Mental Resilience
Sculling & Perceptual Training
Coaching Education & Program Design
Testimonials
“Sylvia’s approach is transformative — she makes water feel like freedom and performance feel like art.”
“Under her guidance, our team grew technically and personally.”
Book Sylvia
To have Sylvia coach your team, lead a workshop, or design your next camp, please get in touch
Gallery
Our Address
Lagos, Portugal