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New York Post
The problem with Luana Alonso’s dream to swim for US after Paraguay allegedly kicked her out of Olympic Village
By Sean Savage,
7 hours ago
Amid an apparent dispute with the Paraguay’s Olympic Committee, it has come out that swimmer Luana Alonso reportedly preferred to swim for the US in the 2024 Olympics.
However, there were some obstacles that would have prevented that dream from coming true for the 20-year-old SMU student.
“I want to represent the United States more,” Alsonso allegedly said during a live video on social media ahead of the Olympics, Paraguayan outlet HOY reported .
However, when it was her time to shine for Team Paraguay, she didn’t.
In the women’s 100m butterfly, Alonso posted a time of 1:03.09 – finishing sixth in heat. Her performance was good enough for 29th overall with the only top 16 advancing to the semifinals.
Luana Alonso wants to represent Team USA at the Paris Games. Instagram / @luanalonsom
“I’m retiring from swimming, thank you all so much for your support! Sorry Paraguay I just have to say thank you!”
Adding to the oddness, the announcement came shortly after she received a tattoo of the Olympics’ five rings on her hip.
HOY noted that Alonso’s wish to swim for the Americans was partly due to attending college here and that the qualifications are much different than Paraguay’s.
Moreover, Alonso claimed she would’ve liked to represent the U.S. due to the lack of “support” and “trust” from Paraguayan Olympic teammates and higher-ups.
Larissa Schaerer, the head of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, said in a recent statement that Alonso’s “presence is creating an inappropriate atmosphere within Team Paraguay.”
Luana Alonso was reportedly involved with inappropriate conduct. Instagram / @luanalonsom
During one of the alleged social media videos, Alonso trashed her homeland.
“It’s not a pleasure to represent Paraguay and if it were up to me, I would go back to college,” she said.
Alonso had some strong showings at SMU.
She competed in the NCAA championships in the 100m and 200m fly and earned All-Conference Honors in six events.
She wasn’t listed on the Mustangs’ 2023-24 season roster.
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