Recently, officials stripped Clara Adams, a sophomore at North Salinas High School in California, of her state title because of her post-win celebration. On Saturday, Adams celebrated after winning the 400-meter race at Buchanan High School in Clovis, California.

What Happened After Her Win?

Upon her win, the runner raced to her father who handed her a fire extinguisher to playfully spray on her shoes as if they were in flames. That act, which Adams did away from the other athletes, is allegedly what caused her punishment. 

Her post-win act led officials to strip the young Black runner not only of her title. Additionally, she lost her chance to compete in the 200-meter race.

Why Was She Stripped of Her Title?

In terms of the reasoning for the decision against Adams, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) officials supposedly perceived her action as unsportsmanlike. 

Words from the official CIF code of conduct read, “don’t engage in or allow trash-talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport.” According to the NY Post, Adams was the fastest in the 400m dash, with a time of 53.24 seconds. 

Why Did She Do It?

According to Adams, her fire extinguisher act was a homage to Black male runner Maurice Greene. Greene is a renowned sprinter who won the Men’s 100 meter with a time of 9.86 during the Home Depot Invitational in 2004. To celebrate his feat, Greene’s teammates playfully sprayed his feet with a fire extinguisher. 

Adams’ rendition even garnered the attention of Greene himself, who commented on the matter. 

“When I heard, cause it happened, and then people just started calling me ‘This girl who just ran the 400 did your celebration’ I was like huh? What? If it was away from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her,” the Olympian told outlet KSBW.

Adams appears deeply upset and heartbroken over the CIF’s decision.

“I’m disappointed and I feel robbed. I am in shock. They (officials) yelled at me and told me, ‘We’re not letting you on the podium.’ They took my moment away from me,” she told the Mercury News. 

Her father David Greene, who is also her sprinting coach, agrees with his daughter’s sentiment.

“That was our moment of celebration, and CIF officials made it about them. The crowd went crazy, they loved it, the CIF booth went crazy, they loved it. But those few guys in those jackets took offense to it, didn’t like it, and made a decision based off emotions,” he told KSBW. 

Social Media Users Weigh In

Media outlet Around the Association posted a YouTube video about Adams’ case. It opened the matter up to the public to leave their opinions. Some believe race played a role in the incident, while others disagree.

“100% they are so wrong and it very much could be racially motivated. She won, celebrated away from everyone on the other side of the wall from competitors. I want to know what rules they have in place in writing to be able to strip someone of a championship. Very heartbreaking and ruthless to do the girl like that,” one comment read.

Another user commented, “I say give this young lady her medal. Don’t think it’s racially motivated, just a bad decision by the officials. Especially in California.”