Swimmer removed from Paris Olympics village for creating ‘inappropriate environment’ explains why she’s decided to retire
Luana Alonso has called time on her swimming career.
Marcus Chan
The swimmer who was removed from the athletes’ village at the Paris Olympic Games has spoken about her retirement.
It was reported on Monday that Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso was removed from the village for creating an ‘inappropriate environment’.
The 20-year-old’s competition came to an early close after she was eliminated in the first round of the women’s 100m butterfly.
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Since then, Alonso has stayed in the athletes’ village to socialise with teammates and fellow Olympians.
However, it was then revealed that she has been removed from the athletes’ village, the head of the COP mission, Larissa Schaerer 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.”
Alonso then took to social media to deny the matter and asked people to stop spreading false information.
No explanation was given regarding the apparent ‘inappropriate’ behaviour but Alonso has since returned to the United States after calling time on her swimming career.
Speaking to Claro Sports, Alonso spoke about the reasons behind her retirement, she said: “People, my decision was made a long time ago! It wasn't because of the games! So nothing, I just have to thank everyone who always supported me.
“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.”
On social media, Alonso wrote: “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.”