Brazil swimmer's expulsion leads to harassment allegations
Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira was sent home by the team management for leaving the Olympic Village in Paris. The swimmer has spoken about the situation, and her words suggest 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 statement refers to 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 another swimmer, Gabriel Santos, left the village without permission. Photos posted on social media betrayed the athletes.
The swimmer's punishment is very harsh, given her previous behavior. The 23-year-old had reportedly made inappropriate comments about coaching staff decisions regarding relay team selections.
Olympics 2024. Expelled Brazilian talks about harassment
This is not the end of the matter, as the swimmer herself has responded to the loud incident. In social media videos, she defended herself, stating that she did not engage in improper behavior and felt "helpless" in the situation.
She also stated that she reported a harassment case within the swimming team to the management, and nothing was done about it.
The Brazilian did not specify in her social media posts how the harassment occurred. However, she announced that she would 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 quickly. She could not correctly pack her bags 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 she can't contact anyone and is staying in Portugal. She informed me that she would arrive in Brazil via the Recife airport. Then, she will reveal the whole truth.
