Runner who 'attacked' opponent with baton during major race speaks out about why she did it
Alaila Everett recently shared her perspective after footage spread online showing a track competitor getting struck in the head with a baton.
Kaelen Tucker, a runner from Brookville High School in Virginia, experienced a concussion and possible skull fracture after being hit with a baton during a March 7 competition. Tucker was running the second leg in a 4×200 meter relay at Liberty University when the disturbing incident occurred and was captured on video.
The runner has received harsh criticism across social media platforms (Facebook)
It seemed Tucker was deliberately hit by fellow athlete Alaila Everett from I.C. Norcom High School after Tucker moved past her on the track curve. Spectators audibly gasped as Tucker collapsed following the impact. The footage quickly spread online, with numerous viewers condemning Everett and demanding her removal from athletics.
However, in a conversation with WAVYTV10, the young athlete presented her account and maintained the act was unintentional. Fighting tears, she explained: "Everybody has feelings, so you're physically hurt but you are not thinking about my mental, right. They are going off of one angle."
Describing what happened, she stated: "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."
Everett's parents support her explanation and have stressed she wouldn't deliberately strike another competitor. They revealed they've received legal documents from Tucker's family seeking a protective order.
Alaila has claimed the baton strike was accidental and explained her version of events (WAVY TV 10)
Tucker's family expressed they want at minimum an apology, noting this was missing at the event. They told local reporters: "They were beside us at the event. They were watching the video at the event, but no one apologized or came to check on her. Even if it was a fluke or freak accident, you still would check on her."
Everett indicated she wishes to apologize but said Tucker hasn't been "receptive" and has blocked her on social media. Tucker's mother, Tamarro, reportedly contacted the athletics governing body, which has initiated an investigation into the alleged attack.
