Luana Alonso, a 20-year-old swimmer from Paraguay, has announced her retirement following her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
She shared the news on her Instagram account on Saturday morning, just before competing in the initial heat of the women’s 100m butterfly.
Alonso, who is currently a college student in the United States, previously announced her qualification for the Paris Games, leading to an outpouring of congratulations on social media.
In her heat for the 100m butterfly, she placed sixth, finishing 0.24 seconds behind Ana Nizharadze from Georgia, narrowly missing out on a spot in the semi-finals.
Taking to Instagram, Alonso confirmed her retirement by stating: ‘It’s official now! I’m stepping away from swimming, thank you all for your support! I can only express my gratitude to Paraguay.’
Luana Alonso (pictured) has announced her retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The swimmer made the announcement on her Instagram on Saturday morning.
Alonso previously competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed due to COVID.
She wrote on Instagram: ‘It’s official now! I’m retiring from swimming, thank you all so much for your support!’
Following the race, an emotional Alonso participated in an interview with Claro Sports, where she discussed her retirement, expressing her contentment in concluding her professional career at the Olympics.
‘I feel very emotional as it was my last race. After 18 years in swimming, I have so many emotions,’ she shared with South American broadcaster Claro Sports.
Walter Estigarribia, a producer, mentioned on X that the swimmer was ‘in tears’ during the interview.
‘It was a difficult decision, but I’m grateful my last race was at the Olympic Games.’
Earlier that week, she shared a picture on her X (formerly Twitter) account with Rafael Nadal, who was competing on the same day alongside Carlos Alcaraz in men’s doubles, where they secured a win against Argentina.
Alonso received numerous congratulations on social media, but clarified that her decision to retire was made long ago.
‘Please know, my decision was finalized a while back! It wasn’t influenced by the Games! I have to thank everyone who always supported me,’ she remarked, addressing inquiries about the timing of her retirement announcement.
She finished sixth in the 100m butterfly, just 0.24 seconds behind Georgia’s Ana Nizharadze, narrowly missing out on qualifying.
The 20-year-old expressed on Instagram: ‘I am very emotional because it was my last race. I am retiring from swimming.’
Alonso (left) met Rafael Nadal (right) during the games and shared a snapshot on X (formerly Twitter).
The swimmer was said to be ‘in tears’ during her interview with Claro Sports.
Discussing her near-miss for qualification, she told Claro Sports: ‘It didn’t happen the way I hoped. I apologize to Paraguay. I did my best, given several challenges I faced before. I’m grateful to retire with a full stadium at the Olympic Games.’
At just 17 years old, Alonso competed in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
The 20-year-old also took part in the 2022 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest and the South American Games held in Asuncion, Paraguay that same year.
She is a student at Southern Methodist University near Dallas, Texas, and swims for the Dallas Mustangs.
