Ana Carolina Vieira was sent home from the 2024 Olympics in Paris after allegedly breaking a rule in the Olympic village, with the Brazilian athlete speaking out on social media

Ana Carolina Vieira competed in the 4×100 metres relay (Image: Getty)

Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira has voiced her concerns after being sent home from the 2024 Olympics, claiming that previous harassment complaints within the team were also ignored.

The 22-year-old has slammed the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) for their handling of her expulsion. Vieira competed in the 4×100 meters freestyle relay with Brazil’s team on Saturday, finishing 12th in the heats. However, on Sunday, the COB announced that Vieira had been expelled from the Paris Games after leaving the Olympic village without permission.

Her boyfriend and fellow teammate Gabriel Santos was also involved but received a warning after their social media activity revealed their whereabouts. The BOC stated that it was informed by Gustavo Otsuka, the head of Brazil’s swimming team, and added that Vieira disputed the relay’s formation.

In a statement, the BOC said: “The athlete Ana Carolina, in a disrespectful and aggressive manner, contested a technical decision made by the Brazilian National Swimming Team committee. As a result, Gabriel Santos was given a warning and Ana Carolina Vieira was dismissed from the delegation. She will return to Brazil immediately.”

Otsuka weighed in on the situation, stating they weren’t in Paris to “play or take a vacation,” referenced the “200 million taxpayers” working for Brazil, and criticized Vieira’s reaction to the relay’s formation. Vieira has spoken out on her expulsion, sharing a video to Instagram while making her way through Portugal.

Ana Carolina Vieira was sent home from the 2024 Olympics ( Image: @Ana Carolina Vieira)
The swimmer denied any wrongdoing and slammed the COB for ignoring claims of harassment. Recounting her abrupt departure, she said: “I left there and left my materials. I didn’t know what to do. My things are there [in the Olympic Village]. I went to the airport in shorts. I had to open my suitcase at the airport. I’m in Portugal. I’m going to Recife and then to Sao Paulo. I am helpless.

“I have had no access to anything. I have not been able to speak to anyone. They told me to contact the COB channels. But how am I going to get in touch? “. Previously, Vieira claimed she had alerted higher-ups, saying, “I have already filed a complaint of harassment, and nothing has been resolved, harassment within the team.

“I will speak to my lawyers. I promise to tell everything. I am sad, nervous, but with peace of mind because I know who I am. I know what my character and my nature are.” Vieira concluded by expressing her dedication to representing her country, asserting: “I hope to be able to defend Brazilian women’s swimming with great pride. I ask for patience and thank you.”