Paris- Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso, popular on social media for her growing fanbase, has denied reports that she was expelled from the Paris 2024 Olympics for inappropriate behavior. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Alonso was accused of “distracting other swimmers” by socializing in “skimpy clothing” after finishing sixth in the Women’s 100m Butterfly event in Heat 1, which led to her failing to qualify for the final.
Larissa Schaerer, head of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, issued a statement saying, “Her presence is creating an inappropriate atmosphere within Team Paraguay.” Schaerer also noted that Alonso chose not to spend the night in the Athletes’ Village, leaving on her own accord.
It was further reported that after her Day 1 elimination, Alonso was seen around the Athletes’ Village wearing her own clothing rather than the official team kit provided by the Paraguayan Committee, which reportedly violated the team’s rules.
However, Alonso has refuted claims of her expulsion from the Games. “I just wanted to clarify that I was never kicked out or expelled from anywhere; please stop spreading false information,” she said in a statement on Monday. While denying the allegations, she also announced her retirement from competitive swimming. “It was my last race. I am retiring from swimming.”
The 20-year-old swimmer, who is currently a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 at the age of 17, where she finished 28th, missing out on the semi-finals.