The first athlete to be dismissed from the Paris 2024 Olympics has shared a message on Instagram addressing her treatment.
Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira ran into trouble after leaving the athletes’ village without authorization.
She left to spend an evening in Paris with her boyfriend and fellow Olympian swimmer Gabriel Santos.
Vieira, who competed on July 27 with her Brazilian teammates in the 4×100 meters freestyle relay, where they finished 12th in the heats, was discovered after posting about their night out on social media.
The whole situation could probably have been avoided if she and her boyfriend had kept their pictures offline, but it was a lesson learned.
On the eve of the Olympics, the duo ventured out in Paris to explore the sights. However, after it was discovered they had snuck out, Santos was issued a warning and apologized.
Vieira reportedly contested the decision, and the Head of the Brazilian Swimming Team, Gustavo Otsuka, had some stern words for her.
In a statement, he said: “The athlete Ana Carolina, in a disrespectful and aggressive manner, contested the technical decision taken by the Brazilian Swimming Team committee.
“Thus, athlete Gabriel Santos was punished with a warning and athlete Ana Carolina Vieira was punished with removal from the delegation. She will return to Brazil immediately.”
However, Vieira took to Instagram on Sunday to update everyone on the situation, mentioning she is without her belongings.
She also noted that she had filed a harassment complaint within the team.
“I left there and left my materials. I didn’t know what to do. My things are there [in the Olympic Village]. I went to the airport in shorts,” Vieira said in the video.
“I had to open my suitcase at the airport. I’m in Portugal. I’m going to Recife and then to Sao Paulo. I am helpless.
“I have had no access to anything. I have not been able to speak to anyone. They told me to contact the COB channels. But how am I going to get in touch?
“I have already filed a complaint of harassment, and nothing has been resolved, harassment within the team.”
Vieira emphasized she wouldn’t stop there and intended to pursue the alleged issues further.
She continued: “I will speak to my lawyers. I promise to tell everything. I am sad, nervous, but with peace of mind because I know who I am. I know what my character and my nature are.
“I hope to be able to defend Brazilian women’s swimming with great pride. I ask for patience and thank you.”.