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.
Their comments clearly violated United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee rules. The Washington Post.
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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'
On August 29, Rory Crossley set a new world record in the 50-meter freestyle in Paris. Long, who has been outspoken about cheating in the Paralympics, Instagram Posts There, her teammates celebrated her accomplishment.
“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 watching the Paralympic movement for a long time. I think we're being willfully misled. [rules] There's a reason,” she said. New York Post“And I don't think we're taking advantage of that. I think we really should be taking advantage of that. I hope the Paralympics are held in good faith. I hope it's better.”
“And I always support 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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Scott Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital.
4 US Paralympians barred from closing ceremonies after social media comments questioning teammate’s disability
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.
Their comments clearly violated United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee rules. The Washington Post.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
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'
On August 29, Rory Crossley set a new world record in the 50-meter freestyle in Paris. Long, who has been outspoken about cheating in the Paralympics, Instagram Posts There, her teammates celebrated her accomplishment.
“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 watching the Paralympic movement for a long time. I think we're being willfully misled. [rules] There's a reason,” she said. New York Post“And I don't think we're taking advantage of that. I think we really should be taking advantage of that. I hope the Paralympics are held in good faith. I hope it's better.”
“And I always support 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)
Click here to get the FOX News app
“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.”
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverageSubscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
Scott Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital.
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