Olympic Swimmer Luana Alonso Hits 1 Million Followers on Instagram After Controversial Removal

Paraguayan Athlete Marks Social Media Milestone After Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct at Paris Olympics

Luana AlonsoPhoto byInstagram/ LuanaAlonsom

It was surprising that Olympic swimmer Luana Alonso was once again in the limelight - this time for her social media following rather than athletic skills. The Paraguayan athlete, reportedly asked to leave the Olympic Village in Paris for "inappropriate behavior," celebrated one million followers on Instagram.

Alonso, who recently retired from competitive swimming after failing to progress in the 100m butterfly contest, told her Instagram followers in a moving article. Alonso expressed appreciation for the support she's received despite the circumstances around her exit from the Olympic Village.

Alonso became embroiled in controversy after it was claimed she had created an "inappropriate atmosphere" in Team Paraguay. Paraguayan Olympic Committee head Larissa Schaerer issued a statement acknowledging the situation and saying Alonso had left the Athletes' Village on his own volition.

Alonso denied being kicked out of the Olympic Village but reports said her trip to Disneyland Paris and her outfit caused a stir among Paraguay's Olympic officials. The swimmer, a two time Olympian who contemplated competing for the U.S. in the Paris Games, encountered scrutiny for on and off the field.

Despite the backlash, Alonso was defiant and said she would not let "lies affect" her. Her Instagram posts, including Disneyland Paris snaps and updates on her social media milestones, continued to draw attention and speculation about her future in sports.

As the dust settles on this particular Olympic tale, Luana Alonso's story illustrates the problems and triumphs of athletes in competition and in the court of public opinion. Her story is full of triumphs and lows as life in international sport spotlights.