Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso faced an unexpected exit from the Olympic village in Paris after allegedly creating an “inappropriate atmosphere” for her fellow athletes. The 20-year-old had traveled to Paris to compete in the women’s 100m butterfly but did not advance to the semi-finals, recording a time significantly lower than her personal best. Following her performance, Alonso announced her retirement from swimming on social media in a dramatic post, expressing her gratitude for the experiences and friendships she had gained through the sport.
Despite her retirement announcement, Alonso continued to stay in the Olympic village, which reportedly led to issues with the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. The head of the committee, Larissa Schaerer, confirmed that Alonso’s presence was deemed problematic, leading to her voluntary departure. Paraguayan media suggested that Alonso had spent time at Disneyland rather than supporting her teammates, a decision that upset the country’s Olympic leadership.
The Olympic village, known for its strict rules and regulations, aims to maintain a focused and respectful environment for athletes from around the world. Among the unusual rules, athletes are expected to adhere to a curfew, limit social interactions outside their teams, and avoid engaging in any activities that could distract or disrupt other competitors. This includes restrictions on guests, noise levels, and even the consumption of alcohol.
Alonso’s decision to visit Disneyland and her subsequent behavior were seen as violations of these expectations, contributing to what the committee described as an “inappropriate atmosphere.” Such actions are taken seriously within the Olympic village, where the emphasis is on creating an environment conducive to peak athletic performance and camaraderie among athletes.
In an interview with Claro Sports, Alonso clarified that her decision to retire had been made long before the Paris games and was not influenced by her performance. She apologized to Paraguay for not meeting expectations but expressed contentment with her achievements and the support she received throughout her career. The incident highlights the stringent standards and expectations placed on athletes within the Olympic community and serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a supportive and focused environment during major competitions.
