Roundup: Christie Raleigh Crossley Breaks World Record In Italy

Christie Raleigh Crossley on the podium for Team USA. (Photo: Pietro Rizzato/World Para Swimming)

Every other week we scour the web for the latest going on in the world of U.S. Para swimming. Here’s what you missed!

World Record In Italy

The second Citi Para Swimming World Series event of the 2023 season proved to be an exciting one, to say the least.

The Bella Italia Village sports complex in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, hosted the event on March 9-12, where 10 world records were broken. One athlete to do so was U.S. national team member Christie Raleigh Crossley.

“@RaleighCrossley made a statement at the Italian Para Swimming World Series this weekend with a WORLD RECORD in the women’s 50m backstroke s9!” U.S. Paralympics Swimming wrote on Twitter.

Raleigh Crossley, who uses they/them pronouns, broke the women’s 50-meter backstroke record with a time of 32.01 and earned the U.S.’ only gold medal of the competition. Raleigh Crossley also earned silver and bronze in her events over the weekend.

Fellow American swimmer Taylor Winnett also had a fulfilling world series event in Italy. The newcomer to the national team took to Instagram to write about her experiences each day over the four-day event.

“Italy World Series Day 4!! All I had yesterday was the 400 Free, which is my second favorite event!” Winnett wrote on Instagram. “I love the challenge of pacing over a long(ish) distance, especially against people with different types of disabilities.

“For example, at finals last night I knew that I was racing next to a woman with a visual impairment, so I knew she would likely pull ahead of me as my legs got more fatigued.”

It’ll be a quick turnaround for the swimmers who competed in Italy this past weekend, as the next world series event takes place in Sheffield, Great Britain, on March 16-19. Matthew Torres will be representing Team USA in Sheffied.

United Nations Visit

Paralympian Jamal Hill recently took an opportunity to speak in the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, championing sustainability goals and health education for youth.

Hill, a bronze medalist in 2020, has said that his message is to help those suffering from poverty through collective sustainability and education.

“As a Young Leader appointed to represent youth voices in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals recognized by the United Nations – I recently had the opportunity to take the stage at the General Assembly Hall on the United Nations Campus Headquarters,” Hill wrote on Instagram. “My first time in the world famous lecture hall and I found myself not in the audience, but rather with the microphone.

“My message is one that aligns with collective sustainability of global communities by encouraging good health & quality education as remedies to poverty through vehicles such as access to basic swimming instruction & disability advocacy.”

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals make up the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. These goals provide a blueprint for peace, and plans to improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth, according to the United Nations’ website.

Trying Out Trails

Hannah Nelson has found true bliss while on a short family vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The swimmer is one of the newcomers to the 2023 U.S. national team, and she competes independently in triathlons.

To get some running training in while enjoying the spring weather, Nelson headed to some forest trails.

“Cannot get enough of this gorgeous weather and perfect running trails in eastern TN! Kind of makes me want to do an ultra trail race… any thoughts or recommendations?” Nelson wrote.

New Home Life

Making a new apartment feel like home is an exciting time for many, including Hannah Aspden. The four-time Paralympic medalist just recently took to social media to show off her new abode, the first apartment of her own.

“Home sweet home… So thankful for the extra time with my family at home, but excited to make this space my own! First day of apartment life. Let the adventure begin!” Aspden wrote on Instagram.

Aspden’s new home also comes with a satisfying view of the sunset. Great find, Hannah.

Ethan Olson is a sportswriter and editor based in Minneapolis. He is a freelance contributor to USParaSwimming.org courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.