Track Star Who Hit Opponent in Head with Baton Breaks Silence amid Controversy Over If It Was Intentional

Mar. 15, 2025

A teen track star whohit an opponent on the headwith a baton during a Virginia state championship race is speaking out, calling it an accident.

The teen’s perspective comes five days after the 4×200 meter relay at a state indoor championship at Liberty University, during which Everett was seen striking her opponent, Kaelen Tucker, with a baton, according to local news outletWSLS 10.

The school told PEOPLE that it immediately reported the incident to the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which is continuing an investigation into the matter. “We are cooperating with the VHSL in its work,” said Dr. Lauren Nolasco, the chief communications officer for Portsmouth Public Schools. “The division will support and follow the ruling that comes from the VHSL upon its completed investigation.”

Brookville High School has not immediately responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

During her recent interview, Everett claimed that the video is misleading.

“After a couple times of hitting her [with her body], my baton got stuck behind her back like this,” Everett said, gesturing upwards, “and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit.”

Tucker, who was in the second lane during the relay, was seen running close to Everett as she tried to overtake her opponent, per the video. The close proximity then resulted in the strike to Tucker’s head, Everett claims.

Since the incident, Everett said she’s received a wave of hatred.

The evening after the race, Tucker and her mother, Tamarro Tucker, spoke to WSLS 10. Both questioned why Tucker hadn’t received an apology.

“My whole thing was no apology," Tamarro said in the interview. “Like, no coaches, no athlete, no anything. Even if it was an accident — which I don’t believe it was — but nothing. And it’s been more than 24 hours now. So I guess that was the major thing. My child was hurt and nobody came to check on her.”

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Kaelen echoed her mother’s statement, telling the outlet she’s been left wondering: “Why did you do it? And why haven’tyou apologizedyet?”

Everett’s mom told the outlet that she “didn’t have to see a first video, second video or 10th video. I know 100 percent that she would never do that to nobody.”

source: people.com