Paraguay’s Luana Alonso caused a ruckus during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris that led to her expulsion from the Olympic Village.
“Her presence creates an inappropriate atmosphere in the Paraguayan team,” Paraguayan Olympic Committee chief Larissa Schaerer said in a statement released to The Sun on Monday, August 5.
Alonso, 20, announced her retirement from sports after failing to reach the quarterfinals of the 100m butterfly on July 27.
By not wearing the official uniform of the Paraguayan team and dressing inappropriately, she is said to have caused chaos in the Olympic Village throughout the games. According to The Daily Mail, the swimmer’s outfit and her disdain for village regulations – where most competitors sleep during races – made her “distracted”.
Additionally, Alonso received backlash for visiting Disneyland Paris and sightseeing instead of encouraging her colleagues. Alonso was asked to move into the hotel, which she readily accepted, but was still allowed to stay and watch the remaining activities.
In conclusion, Luana Alonso’s time at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris was marred by controversy and behavior that fell short of the expectations set for athletes in the Olympic Village. Her actions, including not wearing the official team uniform and disrespecting the rules of the Olympic environment, disrupted the harmony of the Paraguayan team. The swimmer’s decision to quit after failing in the 100m butterfly, along with her decision to visit Disneyland Paris instead of supporting her teammates, further fueled the discontent.
Despite this controversy, Alonso was not completely banned from the Olympics but was moved to a hotel where she could still watch the events. This incident highlights the delicate balance between individual freedom and the collective responsibility of athletes in representing their countries.
The situation also highlights the importance of maintaining discipline and respect for the wider Olympic community, especially when they are part of a team representing their nation on the world stage.