Luana Alonso, a 20-year-old Paraguayan swimmer, was expelled from the Olympic Village during the Paris 2024 Olympics after allegedly creating an 'inappropriate environment'. Her actions, including a trip to Disneyland Paris and wearing non-regulation clothing, led to her being asked to leave by the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. Alonso, who also announced her retirement from competitive swimming, has not publicly addressed the expulsion.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have been marked by a notable controversy involving Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso. At just 20 years old, Alonso was expelled from the Olympic Village for reportedly creating an 'inappropriate environment' which disturbed the harmony of her team. This incident has sparked discussions about athlete behavior and the strict regulations within the Olympic Village.
Luana Alonso's participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics ended abruptly when she was expelled from the Olympic Village. Reports suggest that her visit to Disneyland Paris and choice of attire, which deviated from team regulations, contributed to the decision. Despite her non-advancement in the 100m butterfly event, Alonso chose to stay in the village, which was permissible, yet her actions reportedly led to distractions within the team [1], [2].
Following her expulsion, Luana Alonso announced her retirement from competitive swimming. This decision was shared on her Instagram, where she expressed gratitude towards her supporters and reflected on her swimming career. Alonso's retirement was not a direct result of the Olympic incident but was planned prior, marking the end of an 18-year swimming journey that culminated at the Olympics [3], [4].
The expulsion of Alonso highlights the strict nature of regulations within the Olympic Village. Athletes are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that includes dress codes and behavior guidelines. The Olympic Village, designed to be a distraction-free environment for competitors, imposes rules that vary by country but generally aim to maintain a focus on performance and team cohesion [5].
Luana Alonso's expulsion from the Olympic Village and subsequent retirement mark a significant episode in the narrative of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This incident serves as a reminder of the pressures and regulations athletes face during such high-profile international competitions, and it underscores the importance of conduct that aligns with team and Olympic standards.
"Her presence is creating an inappropriate atmosphere within Team Paraguay." - Larissa Schaerer