High school runner in Virginia struck in head with baton during race

The Virginia High School League is investigating after one runner hit another in the head with a baton during a track and field relay race.

During the Virginia State High School League Championships, Kaelen Tucker, a junior from Brookville High School, was participating in the 4×200 relay when an unexpected event took place.

Tucker and a second sprinter are seen on video side-by-side as they round the corner.

Just as Tucker passes the other runner, the athlete is seen swinging her baton, hitting Tucker.

“I just felt a bang on my head, and then I fell off the track immediately,” Tucker said.

Tucker was seen on camera dropping her baton and reaching for her head.

Witnessing the incident, Tamarro Tucker, Kaelen’s mother, recounted how the crowd in the coliseum reacted with shock. Reacting swiftly, Tamarro leaped from her seat in the bleachers and rushed down to the main floor where Kaelen was.

The 16-year-old was diagnosed with a concussion.

The family said neither the athlete who struck Kaelen nor the other team’s coaches checked on her or reached out afterward.

Expressing her concern, Tamarro Tucker voiced her disbelief that the other runners didn’t pause to check on her daughter, emphasizing her suspicion that it may not have been accidental.

The other runner, who attends I.C. Norcom High School, has not been named.

Kaelen’s parents say Norcom’s athletic director and the girl’s father apologized in a phone call.

“I definitely want the coaches and a personal apology from the actual athlete as well, because it’s only you know, it’s only right,” said Keith Tucker, Kaelen’s dad.

The Virginia High School League said in a statement, “we thoroughly review every instance like this,” adding, “the VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition.”