The 2024 Paris Olympics have seen their share of drama, but few stories have been as unexpected as the situation involving Luana Alonso, a 20-year-old swimmer from Paraguay. Alonso, who narrowly missed qualifying for the women’s 100m butterfly semi-finals by just 0.24 seconds, has been embroiled in controversy, leading to her departure from the Olympic Village.
According to reports, Alonso’s presence was deemed problematic by the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. Larissa Schaerer, the head of the committee, stated, “Her presence is creating an inappropriate atmosphere within Team Paraguay.” Schaerer clarified that Alonso’s decision to leave the Village was voluntary, thanking her for complying with the directive and noting that it was done of her own free will.
The controversy surrounding Alonso intensified when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming shortly after failing to advance past the heats of the 100m butterfly event on July 27. This decision came as a blow to her supporters and teammates, who had high hopes for her performance.
Who is Luana Alonso?
Born on September 19, 2004, Luana Alonso has been a prominent figure in the swimming world, specializing in butterfly stroke events. She holds the national record for Paraguay in the 100m butterfly. Alonso’s competitive career began at an early age, and she first gained international attention during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she finished in 28th place.
Currently a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Alonso previously spent a semester with Virginia Tech’s swimming team. Her journey through various competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games, South American Games, and the World Championships, has showcased her talent and dedication.
The Paris Olympics Drama
Alonso’s second appearance at the Olympics did not go as planned. After her early exit from the 100m butterfly heats, reports surfaced suggesting that Alonso’s behavior and attire had caused disruptions among competitors. Local media and The Daily Mail reported that she was seen at Disneyland rather than supporting her teammates, and her “skimpy clothing” and socializing were reportedly distracting to others.
In response to the allegations, Alonso took to Instagram, where she has a substantial following of nearly 900,000. She firmly denied the accusations, stating, “I just wanted to clarify that I was never kicked out or expelled from anywhere. Please stop spreading false information. I don’t want to make any statements, but I’m not going to let lies affect me either.”
Despite the controversies, Alonso’s career in swimming has left a significant mark, and her departure from the sport closes a chapter filled with both promise and challenges. As she retires from competitive swimming, the Olympic community and her fans will remember her for her achievements and the unexpected drama that unfolded in Paris.
