Four US Paralympians were excluded from the closing ceremonies due to social media remarks challenging a teammate's disability.
Suspensions may be in store for Jessica Long, Gia Pergolini, Julia Gaffney, and Anastasia Pagonis.
The Paralympians from the United States were prohibited from participating in the closing ceremonies of the Paris Paralympics due to social media comments that doubted a teammate's disability.
The four swimmers, Gia Pergolini, Julia Ganney, Jessica Long, and Anastasia Pagonis, were disciplined for making comments about fellow swimmer Christie Raleigh Crossley, who has the neurological disorder S9.
According to The Washington Post, their comments are in violation of the rules set by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
"The USOPC has imposed sanctions on several athletes for unacceptable behavior, as stated by a spokesperson in a statement to The Washington Post. The organization is committed to maintaining the standards expected of Team USA athletes and addressing any actions that undermine their values."
The four swimmers, in addition to being prohibited from attending closing ceremonies, face suspensions and the loss of their stipends, according to The Washington Post.
On August 29 in Paris, Raleigh Crossley set a world record in the 50-meter freestyle event. Long, known for her outspokenness about cheating in the Paralympics, commented on an Instagram post celebrating the achievement.
"I stand with you," Long replied, "S9? It’s a joke?"
Long continued to speak out after this comment, accusing the U.S. Paralympic committee of being too lenient.
"I've witnessed the Paralympic movement for a long time. I believe there are deliberate misrepresentation rules for a reason, but we are not utilizing them effectively. We should prioritize integrity and improve the Paralympics. I want to see it done better," she stated in the New York Post.
"And that’s what I will always stand for."
Gaffney's comment in a separate post stated that intentional misrepresentation is never cute and has a negative impact.
Gaffney's comment was approved by Pergolini with a "well said" response and a raising hands emoji.
Raleigh Crossley had to address those questioning her disability in Paris.
Raleigh Crossley, who was once celebrated for breaking a world record, is now devastated after being accused of cheating and faking his medical conditions.
"Being told online by all these bullies that I am not disabled despite appearing so because I swim faster than them is devastating."
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