Luana Alonso, the 20-year-old swimmer from Paraguay who captured global attention not only for her athletic prowess but also for her bold Olympic rings tattoo, has announced her retirement from competitive swimming. This decision comes after her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking the end of a significant chapter in her life both in and out of the pool.
Alonso, who represented Paraguay in the women’s 100m butterfly at the Paris Games, had hinted at her impending retirement, fueling speculation with a social media post expressing sentiments of finality regarding her Olympic journey. Her distinctive tattoo, a prominent display of the five Olympic rings on her hip, had already made waves online in the lead-up to the games, becoming a symbol of her dedication and Olympic spirit.
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Luana Alonso announces swimming retirement after Olympics race.
Following her race in Paris, where she finished sixth in her heat, Alonso officially confirmed her retirement. Speaking to Claro Sports, and later addressing her fans on Instagram, she expressed the emotional weight of this decision. “It’s official! I’m retiring from swimming,” she wrote, adding, “thank you all so much for your support! Sorry Paraguay I just have to say thank you!” Her words conveyed a mix of gratitude and emotion as she closed this chapter of her life.
Despite not advancing to the semifinals in the 100m butterfly in Paris, Alonso’s Olympic journey is notable. Her time of 1:03.09 in her heat was just slightly above her previous performance of 1:00.37 at the Tokyo Olympics. Reflecting on her career, Alonso shared with Claro Sports, “I am very emotional because it was my last race… I am retiring from swimming. I have been swimming for so long, 18 years, and I have so many feelings.” This candid statement highlights the long-term commitment and passion she poured into swimming since childhood.
Luana Alonso’s path to the Olympics included collegiate competition in the United States. She initially swam for Virginia Tech before transferring to Southern Methodist University (SMU). During her time in college, she achieved personal best times in both the 100m and 200m butterfly events in 2023 and competed in the NCAA championships. While she wasn’t listed on the SMU roster for the 2023-24 season, her earlier achievements underscore her talent and dedication within the competitive swimming circuit.
Her journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics was marked by excitement and national pride, even before the viral attention surrounding her Olympic rings tattoo. In June, she posted on Instagram, celebrating her qualification: “It’s official! Qualified for the Paris Games 2024! My heart is happy to represent the country once again! Thank you to my family, friends and sponsors for making this possible! Let’s go Paraguay.” This post reflects her enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Paraguay on the world stage.
Luana Alonso representing Paraguay at the Olympics with Olympic rings tattoo visible.
As Alonso steps away from professional swimming, her legacy includes not only her athletic achievements but also the viral moment created by her Olympic rings tattoo. This tattoo became a talking point, symbolizing her lifelong dream and commitment to the Olympic spirit. While Gretchen Walsh of Team USA set an Olympic record in the women’s 100m butterfly semifinals in Paris, Alonso’s impact extends beyond race times. She leaves behind a memorable image of passion, dedication, and personal expression, forever linked to the Olympic Games through her ink and her athletic journey.
