The high school runner accused of striking her opponent with a baton during a race has spoken out for the first time.
The shocking incident occurred on March 7 at Liberty University in Virginia during the 4×200 meter relay.
Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker was competing in the 4×200 meter relay when she was hit in the back of the head with a baton, suffering a concussion and a possible skull fracture.
Tucker had just taken the baton for the second leg of the race and was in the process of passing a competitor from I.C. Norcom High School when the other runner – identified as Alaila Everett – appeared to lift her baton and strike Tucker.
The video captured the moment Tucker clutched her head and collapsed onto the infield.
The footage quickly spread across social media, with many viewers condemning Everett’s actions and calling for her to be banned from the sport.
In response to the backlash, Everett spoke to WAVYTV10, breaking down in tears as she defended herself and insisted the hit was unintentional.
“Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you are not thinking about my mental, right?” she said. “They are going off of one angle.”
The runner explained how the baton made contact with Tucker, claiming: “After a couple times of hitting her with my baton, I got stuck behind her back like this and it rolled up her back… I lost my balance, and when I pumped my arms again, she got hit.
“I know my intentions, and I would never hit somebody on purpose,” she added.
Her parents have also stood by her, stating they believe it was an accident and that Everett would never deliberately harm another runner.
Tucker has also spoken publicly about the incident, telling WSET she was in complete “disbelief” when it happened.
“I just know I got hit in the head, and I just fell off the track,” she continued. “I still can’t believe it. I’m still in shock. But I’m still trying to take it all in.”
Her mother, Tamarro Tucker, was among those who rushed to help her. On-site medical staff assessed the injury, and I.C. Norcom High School’s team was disqualified from the event.
Despite Everett’s claim that the incident was an accident, the Tucker family has expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of accountability from Everett and her school.
Tucker’s mother, Tamarro, told the outlet: “My whole thing was no apology. 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.”
Tucker herself questioned Everett’s silence, asking: “Why did you do it? And why haven’t you apologized yet?”
Everett claims she wants to apologize but says Tucker has blocked her on social media and has not been receptive.
As tensions escalate, the Tucker family has served Everett’s family with court papers, seeking a protective order.
Tamarro has also reached out to the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which has confirmed an ongoing investigation.
In a statement to PEOPLE, the VHSL said: “The actions taken by the meet director to disqualify the runner were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review every instance like this that involves player safety with the participating schools. The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition.”
The injury forced Tucker to miss the final races of her season – a heartbreaking setback for the standout athlete, who had just set a new meet record in the 55-meter dash before the incident.
