Brazilian Olympic swimmer kicked out of games for breaking major rule with her boyfriend

Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira has expressed her disappointment after being sent home from the 2024 Olympics , alleging that previous harassment complaints within the team were also disregarded.

The 22-year-old athlete has criticised the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) for their management of her expulsion. Vieira took part in the 4x100 meters freestyle relay with Brazil's team on Saturday, finishing 12th in the heats.

However, on Sunday, the COB announced that Vieira had been expelled from the Paris Games after leaving the Olympic village without permission .

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Her boyfriend and fellow teammate Gabriel Santos was also implicated but received a warning after their social media activity revealed their location. The BOC stated that it was informed by Gustavo Otsuka, the head of Brazil's swimming team, and added that Vieira disputed the relay's formation.

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In a statement, the BOC said: "The athlete Ana Carolina, in a disrespectful and aggressive manner, contested a technical decision made by the Brazilian National Swimming Team committee. As a result, Gabriel Santos was given a warning and Ana Carolina Vieira was dismissed from the delegation. She will return to Brazil immediately."

Otsuka made it clear they were in Paris for serious business, not leisure, highlighting the "200 million taxpayers" back in Brazil and expressing disapproval of Vieira's response to the relay team changes. Vieira, ousted from her team, took to Instagram to voice her side while navigating through Portugal.

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The athlete refuted any misconduct and condemned the COB for overlooking harassment allegations. Detailing her sudden exit, she recounted: "I left there and left my materials. I didn't know what to do. My things are there [in the Olympic Village].

"I went to the airport in shorts. I had to open my suitcase at the airport. I'm in Portugal. I'm going to Recife and then to Sao Paulo. I am helpless.

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"I have had no access to anything. I have not been able to speak to anyone. They told me to contact the COB channels. But how am I going to get in touch?"

Earlier, Vieira had reported her concerns to the authorities, stating, "I have already filed a complaint of harassment, and nothing has been resolved, harassment within the team.

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"I will speak to my lawyers. I promise to tell everything. I am sad, nervous, but with peace of mind because I know who I am. I know what my character and my nature are."

Vieira finished with a pledge of her commitment to her sport, insisting: "I hope to be able to defend Brazilian women's swimming with great pride. I ask for patience and thank you."