(MILWAUKEE, WI) -- The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled the first bobblehead of Paralympic swimming sensation Christie Raleigh Crossley, who won five medals (two gold, two silver, one bronze) at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Christie's bobblehead is the first featuring a Paralympian. The special edition bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Christie.
Sitting in a wheelchair on a patriotic base with their name in gold across the front, the smiling Christie Raleigh Crossley bobblehead has their five medals draped around their neck while holding an American flag as they celebrate their performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France. Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,024 and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in February, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.
Born in Toms River, New Jersey, the 37-year-old Raleigh Crossley was a state champion at Toms River South High School and became the second freshman in state history to hold a state record in any swimming event. After moving to Florida, Raleigh Crossley swam for Pine Crest School and was a four-time state champion. Upon graduation, Raleigh Crossley received a scholarship to swim for Florida State University and earned back-to-back All-American honors. Intending to transfer to Auburn University, Raleigh Crossley got married and later gave birth to a daughter. Raleigh Crossley capped their collegiate swimming career at NCAA Division III Rowan University, winning a national title in the butterfly.
The nonbinary swimmer, who uses they and she pronouns, had dreams of swimming in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, in 2007, Raleigh Crossley was struck by a drunk driver while crossing the street, which resulted in four herniated discs and instability in the spine. In 2008, Raleigh Crossley was hit by another car, which triggered a non-cancerous tumor to start developing in their brain. As a result, Raleigh Crossley began to lose function on the left side of their body. After re-injuring their lower back in 2016, Raleigh Crossley suffered a head injury in 2018 and had to undergo brain surgery. Raleigh Crossley experienced paralysis on the left side due to the bleeding of a previously unknown blood tumor in their brain. On January 7th, 2018, the tumor was removed. Today, Raleigh Crossley uses a wheelchair daily, will sometimes walk with forearm crutches, and uses a “tapper” when competing, or a guide who will tap her when they are approaching the pool wall.
Competing in the Cita Para Swimming World Series on March 12th, 2023, Raleigh Crossley set a world record in the 50-meter backstroke S9 event with a time of 32,01 seconds, Raleigh Crossley then represented the United States at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships at won a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke S9 event. The S9 classification is specifically “for swimmers with coordination affected at a low level in the arms and legs, high degree of weakness in one leg, or the absence of limbs,” according to LEXI, an online information system that explains parasport designations.
At the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris held August 28th through September 8th, Raleigh Crossley, a first-time Paralympian, won gold in the 100-meter backstroke and 100-meter butterfly, and silver in the 100-meter freestyle in the S9 class. Raleigh Crossley additionally won silver in the 50-meter freestyle in the S10 class, which is “for swimmers with movement affect at a low level in the legs, moderately in the hip joint or feet, to a high degree in one foot, or minor limb absence.” Raleigh Crossley also claimed a bronze medal in the mixed 400-meter freestyle relay.
When asked about being honored with a bobblehead, Christie said, "To be the first Paralympian with a bobblehead is more than just an honor. This is a monumentous moment for the entire Paralympic movement, and I am so grateful to get to be a part of it. I love how it showcases the various mobility aids that myself and so many others use. It is a wonderful representation for ambulatory wheelchair users both young and old."
"We are excited to release this bobblehead of Paralympic swimmer Christie Raleigh Crossley,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Making their first Paralympic appearance in Paris, Christie shined in the pool, bringing home five individual medals. We congratulate Christie and wish them continued success. We know that Christie is an inspiration for many and this bobblehead will be a great way to celebrate all of Christie’s accomplishments.”
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country.
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