Video shows an I.C. Norcom student swinging her baton as another sprinter tries to pass, striking her head; the athlete was later diagnosed with a concussion.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A high school junior is recovering from a concussion after being struck in the head with a baton by a Portsmouth student-athlete during a race in early March.
Sixteen-year-old Kaelen Tucker was running the second leg of the 4×200 relay at the Virginia High School League Championship on March 3 when another runner hit her with a baton, according to reports from ABC News.
Video footage shows the two sprinters running side by side as they round a corner, with Kaelen on the outside. Just as Kaelen begins to pass, the other athlete, identified as Alaila Everett, swings her baton, striking Kaelen on the head. Kaelen immediately drops her baton and clutches her head in pain. She was later diagnosed with a concussion.
According to Kaelen’s family, neither the athlete nor the opposing team’s coaches checked on her or reached out after the incident.
“To see that they kept running and she [did] not stop and check on my daughter… it couldn’t have been an accident,” said Kaelen’s mother during an interview with ABC News.
Vincent Pugh, a track official for the Virginia High School League, explained that Tucker did not allow enough space between herself and Everett, which led to the accidental hit.
“It’s the one event in indoor track where there’s the most contact, in the history of track & field,” Pugh said. “Imagine me running side by side with you… Even at this point, she’s not a stride ahead of her.”
Kaelen’s parents say that I.C. Norcom’s athletic director and Alaila’s father called to apologize, but the athlete herself and the coach have not contacted them.
Alaila’s father, Genoah Everett, claims the incident was accidental. He says Tucker came too close to his daughter and attempted to cut her off too soon while coming around the curve, which caused Alaila to lose her balance. He explained that his daughter was trying to maintain her balance while ensuring her baton was not knocked out of her hands.
“When the young lady cut her off, my daughter couldn’t pump her arms… no control where your arms go,” said Genoah Everett.
Genoah Everett has spoken out to defend his daughter after she received a death threat following the incident.
“It is my due diligence to be an example. And I see the big picture, so, I’m going to stand strong and I’m gonna fight this the way I’m supposed to, or the best way I know how, but I refuse to drop down to their level. I refuse to lead a bad example for my children. And if I’m not strong, how would I expect them to be strong?” said Everett.
Portsmouth Public Schools officials released a statement saying, “The division immediately reported the incident to the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which is still investigating. We are cooperating with the VHSL in its work. The division will support and follow the ruling… upon its completed investigation.”
The Virginia High School League addressed the situation, stating, “The actions taken by the meet director to disqualify the runner were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review every instance like this that involves player safety with the participating schools. The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition.”