Who is Luana Alonso? 20-Year-Old Paraguayan Swimmer Who Retired At 20 After Paris Olympics 2024- In Pics

Luana Alonso, the young Paraguayan swimming sensation, announced her retirement at just 20 after competing in the Paris Olympics 2024, leaving fans stunned and emotional.

After her final race in the 100m butterfly, Alonso shared her heartfelt gratitude and farewell message on Instagram, expressing her appreciation for the support she received from fans and her home country.

Alonso narrowly missed qualifying for the semi-finals, finishing sixth in her heat and just 0.24 seconds behind Georgia's Ana Nizharadze, showcasing her competitive spirit till the end.

Competing in her second Olympics, Alonso reflected on her journey from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to Paris 2024, cherishing the memories and experiences gained over the years.

In an emotional interview with Claro Sports, Alonso revealed the depth of her feelings, sharing that retiring at the Olympics was a bittersweet moment, filled with both joy and sadness.

Alonso's announcement went viral, with hundreds of fans and fellow athletes taking to social media to congratulate her on an impressive career and commend her bravery in making such a significant decision.

Clarifying her decision, Alonso stated that her retirement was planned well before the games, emphasizing that it wasn't influenced by her performance in Paris, but a personal choice she had made earlier.

Throughout her career, Alonso set multiple Paraguayan records in butterfly events and represented her country at numerous international competitions, cementing her legacy in Paraguayan swimming.

Studying at Southern Methodist University and swimming for the Dallas Mustangs, Alonso balanced her rigorous academic schedule with her demanding training, exemplifying dedication and perseverance.

 

Post-retirement, Alonso looks forward to exploring new opportunities and contributing to the swimming community in other ways, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration for young athletes in Paraguay and beyond.