Olympic swimmer Luana Alonso made a splash online, but not for the reason some might think. Rumors swirled that she was ejected from the Athletes’ Village for creating an “inappropriate environment.” Alonso took to social media to clear the water, stating, “I just wanted to clarify that I was never kicked out or expelled from anywhere, please stop spreading false information.”
This brief but firm statement puts an end to the speculation. While Alonso isn’t elaborating further, she did announce her retirement from competitive swimming. She assures fans this decision isn’t a reflection of her performance at the games. While she finished sixth in the 100m butterfly, failing to qualify for the semi-finals, it seems her time in the pool has simply come to an end.
Alonso’s retirement message is a heartfelt tribute to the sport. “Swimming: thank you for allowing me to dream,” she wrote. She goes on to highlight the valuable lessons swimming instilled in her: fighting spirit, perseverance, sacrifice, and discipline. It’s clear swimming has been a defining part of her life, gifting her with unique experiences, lifelong friendships, and countless joys.
Instead of viewing this as a goodbye, Alonso says, “It’s see you soon.” Whether this hints at future involvement in aquatics or simply a fond farewell remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure, Luana Alonso is leaving the pool on her own terms, ready for the next chapter.
