PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Many people have questions after a Portsmouth athlete was involved in an in-race incident during last week's VHSL Indoor Track State Championships.
A video of the incident shows a Brookville High School runner attempting to pass a runner from I.C. Norcom High School during the second leg of the 4x200-meter relay finals. The Norcom runner hits her in the head with a baton, knocking the Brookville athlete to the ground and out of the race. Judges quickly disqualify the Norcom team.
Watch: Portsmouth student accused of hurting opponent
"When we came around the curve, she kept bumping me in my arm, and then finally when we got off the curve, I slowly started passing her — that's when she just hit me with the baton and I fell off the track," the Brookville athlete, Kaelen Tucker, told a Lynchburg news outlet.
Tucker said she is being checked out by doctors for a concussion and possible skull fracture. And she said she's received no apology or explanation.
WTKR reached out to VHSL, who is investigating the incident. A VHSL spokesperson said they can't comment on disciplinary actions, but said "actions taken by the meet director were appropriate and correct." They added that they take safety issues involving athletes very seriously.
WTKR also reached out to Norcom's athletic director for comment and are waiting to hear back.
