California high school track star stripped of state title over post-race celebration
A 16-year-old athlete from North Salinas High School was disqualified from the California Interscholastic Federation State Championships in Clovis (Fresno County) on Saturday over a post-race celebration that officials deemed unsportsmanlike, stripping her of her state title in the 400-meter event.
Clara Adams, a sophomore and heavy favorite in both the 400- and 200-meter races, had just clinched victory in the 400 final with a time of 53.24 seconds when she ran off the track to celebrate with her coach and father, David Adams, according to the Monterey Herald.
In a tribute to Olympic gold medalist Maurice Greene, Clara sprayed her shoes with a fire extinguisher — mimicking the celebration the sprinter popularized.
Though the crowd and even the CIF broadcast booth appeared to cheer the moment, meet officials quickly disqualified Adams — barring her from the podium and disqualifying her from the rest of the meet, including the 200-meter final.
'I worked so hard for that title,' Adams told KSBW TV in Salinas. 'I'm disappointed and I feel robbed.'
The CIF upheld the disqualification despite protests.
'When she blew the fire extinguisher, the opponents were gone,' her father told the outlet. 'That was our moment of celebration, and CIF officials made it about them.'
The controversy caught Greene's attention.
'If it was away from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her,' Greene told KSBW.
In 20 years of state championships, no other disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct has been recorded.
Adams, the fastest 400-meter runner in California this season, left the meet without a medal.
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