The Olympics, renowned for its remarkable athletic achievements, often brings unexpected surprises beyond the competitive arena.
In a surprising incident, Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso was reportedly asked by her team to leave the Olympic Village and return home.
Alonso, who holds Paraguayan records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Butterfly events, had a disappointing performance at this year’s Olympic Games.
Team Paraguay (COP) released a statement claiming that Alonso had created an ‘inappropriate environment,’ though further details were not provided.
Larissa Schaerer, the head of the COP, stated: “Her presence is creating an inappropriate atmosphere within Team Paraguay.”
“We thank her for proceeding as instructed, as it was of her own free will that she did not spend the night in the Athletes’ Village.”
Alonso has not provided extensive details about the situation but her Instagram indicates she has returned to the US, where she is attending a university in Dallas, Texas.
She acknowledged being unprepared to issue an official statement but addressed circulating ‘lies’ on social media following her departure.
She wrote: “I just wanted to clarify that I was never kicked out or expelled from anywhere, please stop spreading false information.”
“I don’t want to make any statement but I’m not going to let lies affect me either.”
Alonso also announced her retirement from swimming, clarifying that it was unrelated to her Olympic performance this year.
Alonso exited the games by finishing sixth in the Women’s 100m Butterfly heats, failing to qualify for the semi-finals with a time of 1:03.09 – three seconds below her personal best.
Regarding her retirement, Alonso said: “It’s official now! I’m retiring from swimming, thank you all so much for the support! Sorry Paraguay, I only have to thank you.”
“Swimming: thank you for allowing me to dream, you taught me to fight, to try, perseverance, sacrifice, discipline and many more.”
“I gave you part of my life and I don’t change it for anything in the world because I lived the best experiences of my life, you gave me thousands of joys, friends from other countries that I will always carry them in my heart, unique opportunities.”
“It’s not goodbye, it’s see you soon.”