Olympic swimmer removed from Paris Olympics village for creating 'inappropriate environment'
Luana Alonso was eliminated in the heats of the women’s 100m butterfly.
A swimmer has been removed from the Olympics village in Paris after she was accused of "creating an inappropriate atmosphere".
Luana Alonso, from Paraguay, was eliminated in the first heat of the women’s 100m butterfly on July 27.
In fact, after finishing 0.24 seconds behind Georgia's Ana Nizharadze in sixth, the 20-year-old confirmed that she would retire from the sport after Paris.
Alonso, who holds multiple Paraguayan records in the butterfly discipline, took part in an emotional interview with South American broadcaster Claro Sports.
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“I am very emotional because it was my last race, I am retiring from swimming,” she said.
“I have been swimming for so long, 18 years, and I have so many feelings. Unfortunately, I made the decision to stop and I am happy that my last race will be at the Olympic Games.
“It didn’t happen the way I wanted it to. I sincerely apologise to Paraguay, but I did what I could, despite several things that happened to me before. So, I’m happy and also to retire here with a full stadium and finally have the Olympic Games.”
Alonso, who is studying at a university in Dallas, Texas, remained with her teammates at the Olympic Village following her event.
But it has now emerged that Team Paraguay have asked the swimmer to leave for "creating an inappropriate atmosphere" within the team setting.
Larissa Schaerer, the head of the COP mission, said: "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."
No further explanation was provided regarding the so-called "inappropriate" behaviour but the 20-year-old has since returned to the United States.
Alonso will now concentrate on her studies following a disappointing campaign at the Games. “I’m going to go to study in the United States, to continue with my career in Political Science,” she said.
“And, why not, to be a minister of the court one day because, as an athlete, I know what all athletes suffer and I want to help them promote sport."
Taking to X after the 100m race last month, Alonso received widespread criticism for retiring but the decision was made a long time ago.
"It wasn’t because of the games," she added. "I just have to thank everyone who always supported me."
Topics: Olympics
Jack Kenmare