Olympic swimmer apologises to her nation, retires in tears at age 20

Olympic swimmer Luana Alonso has issued an apology to her homeland and promptly called it quits after appearing in Paris.

Luana Alonso’s swimming career is over after she flamed out in the heats of the women’s 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics.

The 20-year-old Paraguayan social media sensation issued an apology to her homeland after finishing 29th of 32 entrants in the event.

The most followed Paraguayan swimmer on social media was interviewed poolside by Claro Sport - an outlet from her country.

And she reportedly broke down in tears as she announced she was calling it quits.

Luana Alonso reportedly broke down in tears during her post-race interview.

“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.”

Alonso later added on Instagram: “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!”

But the announced created a firestorm in the South American nation.

Luana Alonso has retired from swimming at age 20.

Alonso was hit with a wave of criticism, forcing her to explain the decision wasn’t made on the spot.

“People, my decision was made a long time ago! It wasn’t because of the games! So nothing, I just have to thank everyone who always supported me,” she wrote on Twitter.

Alonso also retweeted a series of supportive messages from fans.

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/lWUCIKezTi

— Luana Alonso OLY (@luanalonsom) July 26, 2024

“It makes me laugh at the people who are offended because Luana Alonso retires. With the ‘support’ of the public … who is going to want to continue? This country takes away your desire for everything. On top of that, those who criticise do not play,” one wrote.

“At 16 she went to his first Olympics, and at 20 she went to her second. She achieved more than many here and they criticise her for ‘retiring’. Are you criticised for what you do in life? Live and let live,” wrote another.

Luana Alonso has an Olympic rings tattoo.

Her Paris experience was short-lived.

“I don’t understand why they criticise Luana Alonso so much and giving her opinions and giving her bad vibes, she was saying that this was her last competition, each person is different, decisions must be respected. Very easy to hide behind the keyboard to criticise someone who works,” added a third.

Forced to leave the athletes village within 48 hours of her race, Alonso said she would turn her focus to studying.

“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,” she added.

And while her Paris experience was brief, she did make some lifelong memories, including scoring a snap with tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

Originally published as Olympic swimmer apologises to her nation, retires in tears at age 20