Too hot, too distracting? Paraguayan swimmer asked to leave Paris for wearing skimpy outfits

 

The decision to send Alonso home was confirmed by the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. Committee president Larissa Schaerer stated that Alonso’s behavior and attire were deemed “inappropriate” and were “creating an inappropriate atmosphere within Team Paraguay.” Reports indicated that her social interactions and revealing outfits were considered a distraction to other athletes.

 

A key violation involved Alonso leaving the Olympic Village for an unauthorized personal trip to Disneyland. While athletes are permitted to remain in the village after their events conclude, leaving for non-official excursions without permission is against team protocols. Paraguayan officials cited this incident as a significant factor in their decision.

 

Despite the official statements, Alonso has publicly refuted the claims that she was expelled. On Instagram, she clarified, “I just wanted to clarify that I was never kicked out or expelled from anywhere, please stop spreading false information… I'm not going to let lies affect me.” Schaerer acknowledged that Alonso complied with the order to leave “of her own free will.”

 

Following the controversy, Alonso announced her immediate retirement from competitive swimming. In an emotional post, she wrote, “I’m retiring from swimming, thank you all so much for the support!... I have been swimming for so long, 18 years, and I have so many feelings.”

 

The swimmer, who resides in the United States, also expressed frustration with her national federation. In now-deleted social media comments reported by Paraguayan media outlet HOY, Alonso alleged a lack of support from team officials and teammates, stating, “It’s not a pleasure to represent Paraguay.” She also expressed a desire to compete for the United States in the future.

 

Amid the dispute, Alonso shared positive moments from her Olympic experience on social media, including a photo meeting tennis star Rafael Nadal.