20-year-old Luana Alonso eliminated in the Olympics – ends her career

Published 2024-07-28 12.33

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PARIS. The Olympic dream came crashing down when Luana Alonso was knocked out in the trials of the 100 meter butterfly.

Now she ends her career – 20 years young.

– I apologize to the whole country, says the Paraguayan.

The announcement came as a bolt from the blue as Luana Alonso burst into tears after the race and revealed that her career is over.

– It is very emotional, she told Claro Sports while the tears flowed.

But the decision was made a long time ago.

– Yes, I already decided before the Olympics that it will be the last thing I do. Unfortunately, it was not the end of the story and I sincerely apologize to all of Paraguay, but I did my best and am still happy that I got to end my career in front of packed stands at an Olympics, she says.

Receives criticism

The news has sparked reactions and social media has been flooded with critical voices questioning her decision.

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Something she now fights back against by retweeting messages with messages like “she doesn’t owe anyone anything” and that it’s “her life and no one else’s”.

Wants to be a politician

Alonso says that she has been swimming since the age of two, so for 18 years.

She made her Olympic debut in Tokyo as a 17-year-old and also participated in the WC in Budapest in 2022.

Now she changes course completely.

– I am studying political science and will invest in it now. Why not become sports minister one fine day?, she says.

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full screen Luana Alonso in the Olympic Village with tennis icon Rafael Nadal. Photo: X