Brazilian swimmer expelled from olympics claims harassment by team
Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira was sent home by team management for leaving the Olympic Village in Paris. The swimmer has spoken out about the matter, suggesting a major scandal is brewing.
- We didn't come here to have fun or to go on holiday. We came to work for 200 million Brazilians who support us every day - said the head of the swimming team, Gustavo Otsuka.
His comment concerns the case of Ana Carolina Vieira, who will no longer compete in the Olympic Games in Paris. The Brazilian swimmer was sent home by the team management.
Vieira and fellow swimmer Gabriel Santos left the village without permission. The athletes were betrayed by photos posted on social media.
The punishment for the swimmer is very severe due to her previous behaviour. The 23-year-old made uncomplimentary comments about the coaching staff's relay team decisions.
2024 Olympics. Expelled Brazilian talks about harassment
This is not the end of the matter, as the swimmer herself has addressed the incident. In social media videos, she defended herself, claiming that she did not engage in any inappropriate behaviour and that she is "helpless" in the situation.
She also stated that she reported an incident of harassment in the swimming team to the management and nothing was done about it.
The Brazilian did not specify on social media how the harassment occurred. She announced, however, that she will reveal all the details with the help of a lawyer.
I will talk to my lawyers and reveal everything. I promise. I am sad, upset, but my heart is calm. I know my character and my nature. I know the truth. I hope I will be able to defend Brazilian swimming and women's swimming. I just ask for a little time and patience - she commented, with her words quoted by the newspaper "O Globo".
Ana Carolina had to leave the Olympic village in a hurry. She could not pack her suitcases properly or contact anyone.
I couldn't contact anyone from the moment I left the room when it was announced that I was gone due to bad behaviour. I will prove everything, that I did nothing wrong. When I left the room, my face was on every portal. Only then could I talk to the girl and the psychiatrist - the athlete complained.
Ana Carolina Vieira said that she could not contact anyone and was in Portugal. She informed us that she would arrive in Brazil through Recife airport. Then, she would reveal the whole truth.
