Virginia High School Track Star Hit by Baton-Wielding Opponent During State Title Race
Mar. 15, 2025Tamarro Tucker and daughter Kaelen Tucker.Photo:WSET ABC 13/Youtube
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WSET ABC 13/Youtube
The incident occurred when Kaelen Tucker, a junior at Brookville High School, was competing in the 4×200 meter relay at a state indoor championship held at Liberty University on Friday, March 7, according to local news outletWSLS 10.
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While describing the incident during an interview withABC affiliate WSET, Kaelen said, “I was so in disbelief. I didn’t even know what happened. I just know I got hit in the head, and I just fell off the track.”
She added: “I still can’t believe it. I’m still in shock. But I’m still trying to take it all in.”
Kaelen’s mother, Tamarro Tucker, and onsite medical staff immediately ran over to help Kaelen, and the IC Norcom High School teamwas disqualifiedfrom the event, per the outlet.
In an extended video of theWSET interview, Tamarro told the outlet that the Virginia High School League (VHSL) has since informed her that they will be investigating the incident, but she doesn’t know what specific steps they will take to move forward.
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“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.”
Kaelen echoed her mother’s statement, telling the outlet she’s been left wondering: “Why did you do it? And why haven’tyou apologizedyet?”
PEOPLE reached out both of the high schools involved in the incident, on Sunday, March 9, for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.
Kaelen — who was unable to compete in the final races of the season due to her injury — had set a new meet record for the 55-meter dash shortly before the incident occurred, per WSET.
source: people.com
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