US Paralympic athletes have been banned from attending the closing ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris after making comments on social media questioning a teammate's disability.
Swimmers Gia Pergolini, Giulia Gagni, Jessica Long and Anastasia Pagonis were disciplined for comments they made about fellow swimmer Christy Rowley-Crossley, who has the neurological disorder S9.
According to the Washington Post, their comments were a clear violation of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee's rules.
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Christy Reilly-Crossley competed in the women's 50m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Summer Games at La Defense Arena. (Avery Bain/USA Today)
“We can confirm that sanctions have been imposed on several athletes for unacceptable behavior,” a USOPC spokesperson said in a statement to The Washington Post. “It is important to us to uphold the standards expected of Team U.S. athletes, and we remain committed to addressing any behavior that undermines our values.”
The Washington Post added that in addition to being barred from the closing ceremony, the four swimmers will also face suspensions and the loss of their scholarships.
U.S. Paralympic record holder hits back after being accused of faking disability: 'Pretty shocking'
Larry Crossley set a world record in the 50-meter freestyle in Paris on August 29. Long, who has been outspoken about his views on cheating in the Paralympics, commented on an Instagram post of his teammates celebrating the achievement.
“S9? Are you kidding me?” said Spanish swimmer Saray Gascón Moreno, after which Long responded with “I'm with you guys.”
Long continued speaking out after this statement, accusing the US Paralympic Committee of being too lenient.
USA Swimming Team member Jessica Long during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Summer Games at La Défense Arena in Paris. (Ryan Beatty/USA Today)
“I've been following the Paralympic movement for a long time, and I think there's a reason that we're intentionally misinterpreting (the rules),” she said, via the New York Post. “And I don't think we're taking advantage of it. I think we really should. I want to see the Paralympics done with integrity. I want to see better.”
“And I will always continue to advocate for that.”
“Not a positive influence. Intentional misrepresentation is never a positive thing,” Gaffney wrote in another post.
Pergolini responded to Gaffney's comment by saying, “Well said,” and replied, “This,” with a raised hands emoji to show he agreed with the comment.
In Paris, Larry Crossley had to address people who questioned her disability.
USA Swimming Team member Jessica Long during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Summer Games at La Défense Arena in Paris. (Ryan Beatty/USA Today)
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“I went from celebrating my world record to feeling totally devastated that the whole world seems to think I'm cheating and faking the holes in my brain and the cysts in my spinal cord,” Crossley said, via the New York Post.
“It's pretty shocking when bullies online tell me that just because I can swim faster than them, I'm not as disabled as I look.”
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