Outrage As Paralympians Banned For Questioning Teammate's Disability

Four United States Paralympians, including renowned swimmer Jessica Long, have been barred from attending the closing ceremonies in Paris after making disparaging comments about a fellow teammate's disability on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.

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Outrage As Paralympians Banned For Questioning Teammate's Disability

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has imposed severe sanctions on four Paralympians following their unacceptable behavior on social media, resulting in their exclusion from the closing ceremonies. The athletes, Gia Pergolini, Julia Ganney, Jessica Long, and Anastasia Pagonis, were found to have violated the organization's rules.

The controversy erupted after fellow swimmer Christie Raleigh Crossley, who has the neurological disorder S9, set a world record in the 50-meter freestyle event in Paris. Crossley's teammates took to Instagram to celebrate her achievement, but their comments quickly turned sour when they began questioning her disability.

Outrage As Paralympians Banned For Questioning Teammate's Disability

Long, known for her outspokenness about cheating in the Paralympics, sparked the controversy by commenting, "I stand with you" after Spanish swimmer Sarai Gascon Moreno expressed doubts about Crossley's S9 classification. Long went on to criticize the US Paralympic Committee for being too lenient with misrepresentation.

Gaffney echoed Long's sentiments in a separate post, stating, "Not a positive impact. Intentional misrepresentation is never cute." Pergolini voiced her approval of Gaffney's comment with a "well said" and a raising hands emoji.

Outrage As Paralympians Banned For Questioning Teammate's Disability

Crossley, devastated by the accusations, addressed the online bullying she faced. "I went from enjoying a world record to being utterly devastated that the entire world seems to think I was a cheater and that I was somehow faking the hole in my brain and the cyst in my spinal cord," she said.

The USOPC swiftly responded to the incident, issuing a statement confirming the sanctions imposed on the four athletes. The organization stressed its commitment to upholding the standards expected of Team USA athletes and addressing any actions that undermine its values.

In addition to being barred from the closing ceremonies, the athletes face suspensions and loss of stipends, according to The Washington Post.

Long expressed her disappointment with the sanctions, claiming they were too harsh. However, the USOPC maintained its stance, emphasizing the need to maintain integrity and fair play within the Paralympic movement.

The incident has sparked outrage among disability rights advocates and athletes alike. Critics have denounced the behavior of the four swimmers as insensitive, discriminatory, and a violation of the spirit of the Paralympics.

Crossley, despite the controversy surrounding her, has received widespread support from the swimming community and beyond. Many have praised her for her resilience and advocacy for the rights of disabled athletes.

As the Paralympic Games draw to a close, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity, respect, and fair play in both sports and society as a whole.