It appears that the 20-year-old athlete's retirement from the sport did not shield her from controversy, as her actions and behavior have caused dissatisfaction among Team Paraguay and the Olympic Committee.

Larissa Schaerer, head of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, addressed the issue in a statement, stating that Alonso's presence was "creating an inappropriate atmosphere within Team Paraguay." Despite her announcement of retirement, Alonso had been staying in the Olympic Village, which seemingly raised concerns among Paraguayan media outlets. Reports emerged that she spent time at Disneyland instead of supporting her teammates, leading to disappointment from the country's Olympic leadership.

The controversy surrounding Alonso extended beyond her absence from supporting her team, with The Daily Mail noting that she became a distraction to other competitors due to her choice of clothing and socializing with athletes from other countries. This added fuel to the criticism directed towards her, overshadowing her performance at the Paris Olympics.

Alonso's attempt in the women's 100m butterfly heats proved unsuccessful, as she finished sixth with a time of 1:03.09. This result fell short of her previous performance in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, further highlighting her struggles in the event. US swimmers Torri Huske and Gretchen Walsh took the first and second spots, respectively.

After the event, Alonso took to Instagram to announce her retirement, expressing gratitude for the support she received. "Sorry Paraguay ♥️ I just have to say thank you!" she wrote, capturing the mixed emotions of the moment. In a subsequent post, she heartfeltly thanked the sport of swimming, acknowledging the valuable lessons it taught her and the unforgettable experiences she had encountered.

Prior to the Paris Games, Alonso had hinted on Instagram that it would be her last Olympics. Her journey from collegiate swimming at Virginia Tech to transferring to SMU had garnered attention, especially with her viral tattoo of the Olympic rings on her hip. She had a strong season in 2023, achieving career bests in the 100m and 200m butterfly events and competing in the NCAA championships.

As of now, Alonso has yet to publicly address her departure from the Olympic Village, leaving many to speculate on the details surrounding her exit. The incident has undoubtedly left a mark on Paraguay's Olympic campaign and draws attention to the importance of maintaining professionalism and commitment in representing one's country at the highest level of competition.

The Paris Olympics will continue with its thrilling events, and Team Paraguay will now have to regroup and refocus in the absence of Luana Alonso.