Luana Alonso was eliminated in the heats of the women’s 100m butterfly.
A swimmer has been removed from the Olympics village in Paris after she was accused of “creating an inappropriate atmosphere”.
Luana Alonso, from Paraguay, was eliminated in the first heat of the women’s 100m butterfly on July 27.
In fact, after finishing 0.24 seconds behind Georgia’s Ana Nizharadze in sixth, the 20-year-old confirmed that she would retire from the sport after Paris.
Alonso, who holds multiple Paraguayan records in the butterfly discipline, took part in an emotional interview with South American broadcaster Claro Sports.
“I am very emotional because it was my last race, I am retiring from swimming,” she said.
“I have been swimming for so long, 18 years, and I have so many feelings. Unfortunately, I made the decision to stop and I am happy that my last race will be at the Olympic Games.
“It didn’t happen the way I wanted it to. I sincerely apologise to Paraguay, but I did what I could, despite several things that happened to me before. So, I’m happy and also to retire here with a full stadium and finally have the Olympic Games.”
Image credit: Instagram/luanalonsom
Alonso, who is studying at a university in Dallas, Texas, remained with her teammates at the Olympic Village following her event.
But it has now emerged that Team Paraguay have asked the swimmer to leave for “creating an inappropriate atmosphere” within the team setting.
Larissa Schaerer, the head of the COP mission, said: “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.”
No further explanation was provided regarding the so-called “inappropriate” behaviour but the 20-year-old has since returned to the United States.
Alonso will now concentrate on her studies following a disappointing campaign at the Games. “I’m going to go to study in the United States, to continue with my career in Political Science,” she said.
“And, why not, to be a minister of the court one day because, as an athlete, I know what all athletes suffer and I want to help them promote sport.”
Taking to X after the 100m race last month, Alonso received widespread criticism for retiring but the decision was made a long time ago.
“It wasn’t because of the games,” she added. “I just have to thank everyone who always supported me.”
Ex-Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare passed away at the age of 60.
Jack Grealish has revealed the private message Craig Shakespeare sent him after being snubbed by England for Euro 2024.
On Thursday night, it was confirmed that former Leicester City manager Shakespeare had passed away at the age of 60.
A statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘SHAKEY’. Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family.
“Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.”
It continued: “The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.
“The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to but all meant a lot to Craig and the family.”
On the back of the sad news, many players, staff and journalists paid tribute to the man who played a key role in Leicester’s Premier League triumph back in 2016.
Grealish, who worked with Shakespeare during his time at Aston Villa took to social media to pay an emotional tribute.
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He wrote: “Shakey, one of the greatest people I’ve ever met not only in football but in life. Last month was texting me when I didn’t make the euros squad whilst he was ill shows the type of man he was! An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey. Absolutely devastated, sending all my love to his family.”
Grealish then posted a screenshot of one of the messages he had received from Shakespeare, it read: “Jack, sometimes it’s hard to know what to say. But I’m gutted for you and thinking about you. My most gifted player I’ve worked with. Take care, Shakey.”
American swimmer Alex Walsh was disqualified and lost out on a bronze medal.
American Olympic swimmer Alex Walsh suffered heartbreak after being disqualified and having her bronze medal taken away in Paris.
Walsh competed in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley Final on Saturday night and looked to have secured a place on the podium.
American swimmer Alex Walsh was disqualified and lost out on a bronze medal.
American Olympic swimmer Alex Walsh suffered heartbreak after being disqualified and having her bronze medal taken away in Paris.
Walsh competed in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley Final on Saturday night and looked to have secured a place on the podium.
