Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso recently competed in her 2nd Olympic games. She competed in the Tokyo Olympics at the age of 17, and now, at the age of 20, she competed in the Paris Olympics.
Alonso surprised fans in multiple ways during the Olympic games. One way was by announcing her retirement from swimming at just 20 years old. She posted the announcement on Instagram after failing to qualify for the women’s 100 meter butterfly finals, but she claims she made the decision long before arriving at the Olympics.
Alonso wrote, “It’s official now! I’m retiring from swimming, thank you all so much for the support! Sorry Paraguay. I only have to thank you!”
View this post on Instagram
The next day, she posted again thanking swimming for being a part of her life for so long. She 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.”
Her retirement wasn’t the only big surprise during the Olympics. She also broke a rule by sneaking out of the Olympic village and choosing to spend one night elsewhere. Instead of supporting her teammates who were still competing, she went to Disneyland.
View this post on Instagram
As a consequence for her actions, the Sun reports that the Paraguayan Olympic Committee decided to make her go home before the Olympics is over. In a statement, Paraguayan Olympic Committee boss Larissa Schaerer explained, “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.”
View this post on Instagram
The Daily Mail reports another reason the Paraguayan Olympic Committee considered Alonso a distraction – her skimpy clothing choices.
Alonso has not commented on the statement from the Paraguayan Olympic officials.
Watch the video below to learn more about Alonso and her early retirement from swimming.
