Interesting point. In this case, I doubt it. The quality and angle of the video may show that the sprinter in lane two may have stepped on the inside lane line. If so, this fault can lead to a disqualification of the runner in lane 2. Also, it appears that both runners were having some contact multiple times. A violation occurs when contact results in a runner's stride being broken or lost of momentum. The video also shows that as both sprinters are entering the last turn. At this point, both sprinters are even. Also, the sprinter in lane one appears to be stepping on the lane line to her right. This too may lead to a disqualification for the lane 1 sprinter. At the next point, The sprinter in lane 1, looks like her right arm/shoulder to be in lane 2. Thus, she is crowding the sprinter in lane 2. At the next point, it appears that there is more contact between the sprinters. It looks like their arms made contact. This contact may have caused the sprinter in lane 1 to lose momentum. After the contact, the sprinter in lane 2 starts pulling away. The video also shows after that contact, the sprinter in lane 1 with her right hand (with the baton) in what appears to be in an abnormal position. That hand, with the baton, is up way too high (almost head high). Another split second later, the sprinter in lane 1 is not looking straight down her lane. She appears to be looking at the back of the sprinter in lane 2. In other words, it appears she is taking aim. Also, it appears that her right arm is cocked and ready to unload a blow. The blow that landed on her opponent appears to deliberate.
Yeah, I was going to ramp up the banter but then I/we would be in the sights of the "nothing 'too-hot' in other forums" police. But still, you have inspired me. Maybe the issue isn't that she is prepared to use a long, slender "tool" with malice but rather she thinks anything that reminds her of what she wants is worth using in "creative" ways. I applaud her initiative, but as someone who embraces their own tool, I prefer a kinder and gentler approach to handing it. But maybe that is just me...
Every runner should be allowed to control the airspace over their lane. If you whack somebody on the noggin and the point of contact is in your airspace, you shouldn't be DQ'd. Let the runners carry batons in all events, not just relays.
I’m glad that I live in a quaint little town where smacking someone on the head with your baton is done in the privacy of one’s bedroom.
Pool noodles. Then they can swing those things over their head and whack the shit out of each other. I’d even bother to watch that
On a side note, I covered a bit of HS sports in a former life and track was one of those eye-opening sports for me. Never gave it much thought before covering it, but the amount of smack talk and posturing that goes on in the infield is, in a word, amazing. If you could figure out a way to get that drama and bravado to the fans, the sport would spike in popularity. So, safe to say, there is probably a whole story behind this and I'd bet anything this had been brewing all day.
Well, it is pretty shocking, to bludgeon an opponent with a metal rod in a sport that is generally a no contact sport. This is not an every day event. And if we allow it to be, that's on us.
Baton beating track run... new sport? Full contact track... Test your fighting skills while you run around a track.
