PARIS – Among the most incredible stories of these Paris Olympics is undoubtedly that of Luana Alonso, who in just a few days went from retirement in swimming to being kicked out of the Olympic village. The 20-year-old swimmer from Paraguay has become very popular on social media in recent months, with her swimsuit photos circulating around the web, contributing to the substantial attention she received.
Luana Alonso, surprise retirement
It all started a few days ago, after she was immediately eliminated in the heats of the 100-meter butterfly. After the race, unexpectedly, she announced in tears her retirement: “I am leaving swimming to study in the United States and continue my scientific career.” An announcement that caught everyone by surprise, including the Paraguayan federation: “We didn’t know, no one on the team knew, not even the coach. It’s her decision, and we respect it.”
Luana Alonso removed from the Olympic village
The girl then communicated her decision to the federation, leaving the Olympic village that very evening. A few days later, however, she returned as recounted by Larissa Schaerer, head of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, who removed her from the village, not allowing her to enter: “I was leaving the building and met her. I said to her: ‘Luana, what are you doing here?’. She was dressed in civilian clothes. In an email, I had told her that she would no longer be able to enter the Olympic village because she had retired.”
Luana Alonso kicked out: the reason
But it doesn’t end there; the email revealed further details: “Your presence is creating an inappropriate environment within Team Paraguay. Please proceed as instructed, you did not spend the night in the Olympic village of your own accord.” Furthermore, Schaerer revealed that: “For some time she did not meet the standards of a high-performance athlete. This was told to us by the coach.”
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