Kaelen Tucker is a high school track star who is currently suffering multiple injuries after getting hit by an opponent with a baton during a state 4 x 200 m title race, find out more below as the incident’s video goes viral
According to reports, medical officials have diagnosed Kaelen with a concussion and possible skull fracture following the tragic incident.
Who is Kaelen Tucker as Brookville High School track and field athlete is hit with baton by Alaila Everett of IC Norcom during 4×200 m relay in viral video
NEW: High school track runner gets attacked with a baton in the middle of a relay at the VSHL Class 3 State Indoor Championships.
Kaelen Tucker was on the second leg of the 4x200m relay at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, when she got smacked in the head.
Tucker suffered a… pic.twitter.com/DXPMwZcaRP
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 9, 2025
Following the incident, Kaelen could not compete in the final races of the season despite previously setting a new meet record for the 55-meter dash before the incident.
Kaelen Tucker hit by opponent with baton during state title race
Kaelen Tucker is a teenage high school track runner who recently got hit by one of her opponents during a state title race. The shocking incident took place at the Virginia state indoor championship at Liberty University. A video of the incident has since been circulating online, sparking all kinds of outrage among netizens.
As Kaelen was running the second leg of the 4×200 meter relay, she seemingly grabbed the baton from her teammate and ran forward. While attempting to pass a competitor from IC Norcom High School, the other runner raised her baton and struck Kaelen in the head. Kaelen instantly clutched her head and fell toward the infield, while the opposing runner continued the race.
On-site medical staff and her mother immediately rushed to attend to Kaelen. Medical officials later diagnosed Kaelen with a concussion and a possible skull fracture. Due to her injury, she had to drop out of competing in the final races of the season.
Alaila Everett, a track star and senior at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth who attacked Kaelen has now spoken out about the viral footage showing her strike an opponent in the head with her baton and said there is more to the video clip than meets the eye.
“Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental,” Everett said.
She and Kaelen Tucker, a junior at Brookville High School in Lynchburg, were competing in the 4×200 meter relay when they almost collided while rounding a curve on the track.
“After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit,” Everett said adding that the incident was accidental.
Track star facing backlash after baton controversy speaks out! Claims video may look intentional, but it was not her intent, the other athlete was left with a concussion & a fractured skull.
Thoughts? Could it be an accident? 👀 pic.twitter.com/rEcjF1IppC
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) March 10, 2025
Kaelen Tucker bio
Kaelen Tucker is a 16-year-old talented high school track athlete from Virginia who recently got hit during a race. Tucker is a part of the track and field circuit at Brookville High School. She is renowned for having a very competitive spirit. Tucker was recently enjoying a promising season before suffering a strike by her opponent’s baton. She had just set a new record at the meet before the incident on March 7, 2024.
Height 5’2″
Weight 105lbs
Age 16
Primary Position 100M
Secondary Position 4x100MR
Dominant Hand Right
100M 13.53
Kaelen Tucker. Brookville High School Class of 2026 Lynchburg, VA
Education
Kaelen Tucker is currently a student at Brookville High School, where she is a junior. She is a member of her school’s track and field team and has consistently achieved top finishes in sprint events.
High School junior Kaelen Tucker was hit in the head with a baton during relay race in Virginia. She was taken to the hospital where she was found to have a concussion and a possible skull fracture.
Alaila Everett, a senior at I.C. Norcom High School said it was an accident. pic.twitter.com/u1enc4EYyf
— Te-Erika (@Te_Erika) March 10, 2025
Official Statements
Following the incident, Kaelen Tucker and her family expressed their disbelief and frustration over the incident. Kaelen recalled the moment, saying:
I was so in disbelief. I didn’t even know what happened. I just know I got hit in the head, and I just fell off the track.”
Meanwhile, Kaelen’s mother, Tamarro Tucker, also voiced her concerns about the lack of acknowledgment from the opposing team, stating:
No apology, 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.”
The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has since launched an investigation into the incident regarding Kaelen Tucker.