Brazilian swimmer ousted from Olympics sparks harassment scandal

- We didn't come here to have fun or for a vacation. We came to work for 200 million Brazilians who work for us daily - said the head of the swimming team, Gustavo Otsuka.

His statement refers to the issue 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 another swimmer, Gabriel Santos, left the village without permission. Photos posted on social media betrayed the athletes.

The punishment for the swimmer is very harsh given her previous behavior. The 23-year-old had reportedly made inappropriate comments about coaching staff decisions regarding relay team selections.

This is not the end of the matter, as the swimmer herself has responded to the incident. In social media videos, she defended herself, stating that she did not engage in improper behavior and feels "helpless" in the situation.

She also stated that she reported a case of harassment within the swimming team to the management, and nothing was done about it.

The Brazilian swimmer 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'm sad, upset, but my heart is calm. I know my character and my nature. I know what the truth is. I hope I can defend Brazilian swimming and women’s swimming. I only ask for a little time and a bit of patience - she commented, her words quoted by the newspaper "O Globo".

Ana Carolina had to leave the Olympic village in a hurry. She could not properly 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 missing due to bad behavior. I will prove that I did nothing wrong. When I left the room, my face was on every portal. Only later could I talk to a girl and a psychiatrist - the swimmer lamented.

Ana Carolina Vieira said she couldn't contact anyone and is staying in Portugal. She informed me that she would arrive in Brazil via the airport in Recife. Then, she would reveal the whole truth.