Featured Image Credit: WAVY TV 10
Topics: Athletics
Luke Davies
A sprinter who appeared to hit an opponent with a baton during a relay race has finally spoken out.
The incident happened during a 4x200m relay event of the VSHL Class 3 State Indoor Championships, which was held at Liberty University on March 7.
Kaelen Tucker was running the second leg of the race when Alaila Everett appeared to strike her on the head with her baton as Tucker attempted to pass her.
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It appeared that she intentionally struck her opponent with the baton, which caused Tucker to stop midrace before she fell to the ground at the side of the track.
The Norcom team, who Everett represented, were then disqualified by judges for interfering with another runner’s actions.
Fans on social media were disgusted by the incident, with many calling for Everett to be punished.
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After the unsavoury event, Tucker spoke to ABC 13 News.
"I still can't believe it, I'm in shock,” said Tucker.
"I'm still trying to take it all in, I can't believe it happened."
Tucker’s mother, Tamarro, told the outlet that no one from Norcom’s team came over to check to see if her daughter was okay.
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“No apologies,” said Tamarro Tucker. “No coaches. No athlete. No anything. Even if it was an accident, which I don't believe it was... nothing."
The outlet also claimed that the sprinter was being “treated for concussion” and even a “possible skull fracture” – although this is unconfirmed.
Now, Everett has finally broken her silence and explained the incident from her perspective.
“Everybody has feelings, so you're physically hurt, but you are not thinking about my mental, right?” Everett told WAVYTV10.
“They are going off of one angle.”
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She then explained how she “would never hit somebody on purpose”.
“After a couple times of hitting her with my baton, I got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back,” she added.
“I lost my balance, and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit.
“I know my intentions, and I would never hit somebody on purpose."
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Everett’s mother, Zeketa Cost, also gave her take on the incident.
“I didn’t have to see a first video, second video or tenth video… I know 100 percent that she would never do that to nobody,” said Cost.