Fatshimetrie
Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso has recently been in the news not only for her athletic achievements at the Olympics, but also for her visit to Disneyland Paris. After failing to qualify for the semifinals of the women’s 100m butterfly, Alonso shared photos of her visit on Instagram, sporting Mickey Mouse ears and toasting with champagne flutes. The escapade sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing her for choosing a tourist destination over supporting her teammates, while others applauded her taking the liberty after her competition.
Media outlets reported that Alonso’s presence at Disneyland Paris caused an inappropriate atmosphere within the Paraguayan team, leading to her departure from the Athletes’ Village. Larissa Schaerer, the head of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, stressed that Alonso’s decision not to spend the night at the Olympic Village was her own. Following her departure, Alonso stayed in a hotel in Paris, enjoying the high-end shops and restaurants of the City of Lights.
The Paraguayan swimmer’s sudden withdrawal from competitive sports, followed by her official retirement announced on social media, surprised her fans and peers. Upon returning to the United States, Alonso shared a photo of the American flag on her Instagram Story with the caption “Pony up” and a peace emoji, marking a new phase in her life after her athletic career.
Olympic villages, such as the one in Tokyo where the Games were held, have strict rules regarding privacy and social media posting. Athletes are required to respect these rules and not take photos or film in restricted areas. In the Olympic Village, the emphasis is on concentration and respect for other participants.
While athletes are able to leave the village to visit family and friends, they must follow specific guidelines to ensure an environment conducive to concentration and mutual respect. In March, the director of the Paris 2024 Olympic Village confirmed that alcohol would not be served in the village, but athletes could enjoy champagne elsewhere in the city.
In conclusion, the episode of Luana Alonso’s visit to Disneyland Paris after her Olympic competition illustrates the diversity of reactions to athletes’ choices outside of competition. While some emphasize the importance of supporting the team, others defend the right of athletes to enjoy moments of relaxation after giving their best on the international stageThis situation highlights the challenges faced by high-level athletes, both on a sporting and personal level, and underlines the need to balance the demands of competition with the need to recharge.