Swimmer who was sent home after sneaking out of Olympic village issues emotional statement

Brazilian swimmer Ana Carolina Vieira has broken her silence after she was sent home from the 2024 Olympics, claiming that previous complaints of harassment within the team had been ignored. The 22-year-old has aimed fire at the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) over the manner of her expulsion.

Vieira competed on Saturday with Brazil's 4x100 metres freestyle relay team, finishing 12th in the heats.

But, on Sunday, the COB confirmed that it had sent her home from the Paris Games after she left the Olympic village without permission.

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Teammate Gabriel Santos - who received a warning for her behaviour - was also involved, with the pair's social media activity revealing their whereabouts.

The BOC revealed it was informed by Gustavo Otsuka, the head of Brazil's swimming team, and added that Vieira challenged the formation of the relay.

"The athlete Ana Carolina, in a disrespectful and aggressive manner, contested a technical decision made by the Brazilian National Swimming Team committee," a statement read.

"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 spoke out himself, insisting they weren't in Paris to "play or take a vacation," mentioned the "200 million taxpayers" working for Brazil and blasted Vieira's reaction to the relay's formation.

Vieira has since reacted to her expulsion, filming a video and posting it on Instagram while passing through Portugal.

The swimming star who was accused of "misconduct" stressed that she did nothing wrong and accused the COB of ignoring complaints of harassment.

"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," Vieira explained.

"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?

"I have already filed a complaint of harassment, and nothing has been resolved, harassment within the team.

She continued: "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.

"I hope to be able to defend Brazilian women's swimming with great pride. I ask for patience and thank you."