What started as an intense relay race at the Virginia indoor track championships took a dramatic turn when Alaila Everett was seen striking fellow runner Kaelen Tucker with her baton.

The moment, caught on video during the 4x200m relay event at the VHSL Class 3 State Indoor Championships, quickly went viral, sparking heated discussions.

However, Everett insists the incident was nothing more than an unfortunate accident.

Everett Breaks Down Over Backlash

Following the viral clip, Everett found herself at the center of a storm, facing online outrage, including death threats and racial slurs.

Speaking to WAVY.com, she tearfully explained her side of the story, adamantly denying any malicious intent.

“I know my intentions, and I would never hit someone on purpose,” Everett said.

She described how the baton got caught behind Tucker’s back as she was trying to regain balance.

“After a couple of times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back, and it rolled up. I lost my balance, and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit.”

Crowd Reaction and Disqualification

The dramatic moment left spectators inside the Liberty Indoor Track Complex in shock as Tucker stumbled and eventually fell.

Despite the controversy, Everett’s mother, Zeketa Cost, stood firmly by her daughter.

“I didn’t have to see a first video, second video, or tenth video. I know 100 percent that she would never do that to anybody,” Cost stated emotionally.

As a result of the incident, I.C. Norcom High School was disqualified for “contact interference,” which involves physically disrupting another runner’s progress.

What Happens Next?

With emotions still running high, the debate over whether the incident was an accident or intentional remains ongoing.

While Everett has defended herself, some continue to question the moment that changed the race.

For now, the young athlete faces the challenge of rebuilding her reputation while the track community processes the controversy.