Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso confirmed that she is retiring from the sport at the age of 20 after an “emotional” interview at the Olympics, in which she apologised to her country.
She took to Instagram after finishing sixth in the 100m women’s butterfly, 0.24 seconds behind Georgia’s Ana Nizharadze, which ensured that she narrowly missed out on qualifying for the semi-finals.
Her statement on social media read: “It’s official now! I’m retiring from swimming, thank you all so much for the support! Sorry Paraguay, I only have to thank you!”
Shortly after getting out of the water, Alonso spoke with Paraguayan outlet Claro Sport for what she described as an “emotional” interview, saying sorry for not qualifying.
“I am very emotional because it was my last race, I am retiring from swimming,” she said. “I have been swimming for so long, 18 years, and I have so many feelings. Unfortunately, I made the decision to stop and I am happy that my last race will be at the Olympic Games.
“It didn’t happen the way I wanted it to. I sincerely apologize to Paraguay, but I did what I could, despite several things that happened to me before. So, I’m happy and also to retire here with a full stadium and finally have the Olympic Games.”
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