Hands Before Feet... US Track Athlete Strikes Rival from Behind While Overtaking

Lost Balance and Fell to the Ground Due to the Shock
Apology Delivered a Week After the Incident
As Controversy Grew, Explained It Was "Just an Accident"

At a high school track and field championship held in the United States, a bizarre incident occurred where an athlete struck an opponent's head with a baton during the race. The incident took place on the 3rd (local time) at Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, during the indoor track and field championship 4X200m relay final. In the second heat of the final, as the athletes fiercely competed, a runner named Kaelin Tucker was hit on the head with a baton by a trailing runner when another athlete attempted to overtake at the corner. After being struck on the head, Tucker lost balance, staggered, and fell to the ground.

At a high school track and field championship held in the United States, an absurd incident occurred where an athlete struck an opponent's head with a baton during the race. The incident took place on the 3rd (local time) at Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, during the indoor track and field championship 4x200m relay final. Daily Mail

Foreign media such as the Daily Mail reported the race footage and stated that the referee disqualified the team of Alaila Everett, who struck Tucker’s head, immediately after the race. Tucker was diagnosed with a concussion and a possible skull fracture and received treatment. It is known that she was unable to participate in the final race of the season due to her injury. Tucker’s mother expressed outrage, saying, "No one from the opposing side apologized or came to check on Tucker’s condition right after the incident," and mentioned that they are considering legal action. As the controversy grew, it was reported that the opposing team’s parents and coach only apologized a week later.

In the second leg of the final, while the players were fiercely competing, a player named Kaelin Tucker overtook the leading player at the corner, and the trailing player struck Tucker's head with the baton he was holding. Tucker, who was hit on the head, lost balance, staggered, and fell to the ground. KBS

As the video was shared on online communities and social media, criticism intensified, and Everett’s side explained in an interview with a local media outlet that it was "a simple accident." Everett stated, "While running, my arm got caught, causing me to lose balance, and in the process, the baton accidentally hit the other athlete’s head." She also pleaded, "Please do not judge my character based on just a 9-second video," and said that she and her family have been subjected to racist remarks and threats online due to this incident. Meanwhile, the Virginia High School League (VHSL) is investigating the incident and has stated that Everett’s disqualification will remain in effect. They also released a statement saying, "We will thoroughly review the matter with the safety of the athletes as our top priority."