US swimmer Raleigh Crossley targeted by online trolls after Paralympics record

US Paralympic swimmer Christie Raleigh Crossley faced online bullying after setting a world record in her Paralympics debut on Thursday.

The 37-year-old swimmer, who won silver in the 50-metre freestyle S9 final, was targeted by social media users including a US teammate, questioning the legitimacy of her disability.

Raleigh Crossley, who has been classified as S9 due to a neurological condition, said the comments left her devastated. "I went from enjoying a world record to being utterly devastated," she told reporters. "The entire world seems to think I was a cheater."

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has launched an investigation into the matter. "We take all matters of bullying, harassment, and abuse with the utmost seriousness," said spokesperson Kate Hartman.

Raleigh Crossley, who has faced similar accusations since joining Para swimming in 2022, expressed her disappointment in the sport’s environment. “It’s been a pretty awful day,” she said after winning her first Paralympic medal.