Spanish Olympian 'Disappointed' That She Can't Take Breastfeeding Son With Her To Olympics

Spanish synchronised swimmer Ona Carbonell has expressed her "disappointment and disillusionment" that she cannot take her son to this summer's Olympics while she is breastfeeding him because of the "extremely drastic measures" in place.

The 31-year-old, who will compete in her third Olympic games this summer, would need to quarantine in a separate hotel if she decided to bring her nearly-one-year-old son Kai.

In the caption of her Instagram post where she confirmed that she would not take her son to the games, Carbonell said the following:

"Despite the appearance of some news that suggested the possibility that athletes could travel to the Tokyo Olympic Games accompanied by our infants or young children, we have been informed by the organizing entities of some extremely drastic measures that make this option impossible.

"After receiving countless expressions of support and encouragement to go to Tokyo with Kai, I wanted to express my disappointment and disappointment that I will finally have to travel without him.

"Our only possibility is to wait for the end of this pandemic for normality to return, and with it the necessary measures to make reconciliation with the family and elite sports during a competition easier for everyone.

"Thanks to everyone for your support."

Carbonell explained the situation in further detail during the video.

"They wouldn't be allowed to leave the hotel room during the 20-ish days I'd be in Tokyo," she said.

"For me to go and breastfeed Kai whenever he needs it during the day I would have to leave the Olympic villa, the team's bubble, and go to the hotel, risking my team's health.

"I had to make a really tough decision because the Japanese government's impositions are not compatible with my athletic performance and being with my family at the same time.

"I hope other athletes can get along with these conditions and still take their kids with them.

"Personally, I can't accept these conditions. I won't be ok. I would have to use the breast pump for 20 days hoping that Kai still wants to be breastfed, something which is very important for me."