At the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, she became the first ever Paralympic champion in rowing, winning the women's single sculls by a 12-second margin in a time of 6 minutes 12.93 seconds.
At the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China rowing made its debut appeaance at the Games. Raynsford became the first ever Paralympic champion in the sport, winning the women's single sculls by a 12-second margin in a time of 6 minutes 12.93 seconds.