MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUGUST 16: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica's running shoes are seen on the track after the Women's 200 metres final during Day Seven of the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 at Luzhniki Stadium at Luzhniki Stadium on August 16, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Clovis, California – In what should have been a triumphant moment for one of California’s rising track stars, a split-second celebration at the state championships ended in a controversial disqualification and the stripping of a state title — drawing criticism from athletes, coaches, and spectators alike.
Clara Adams, a sophomore at North Salinas High School, had just won the 400-meter dash at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state championships on Saturday with a commanding time of 53.24 seconds. Moments after crossing the finish line, Adams ran over to her father and coach, David Adams, who handed her a fire extinguisher. Away from her competitors, she sprayed it at her feet — a nod to the classic celebration by Olympic gold medalist Maurice Greene, who famously did the same at the peak of his sprinting career.
The crowd erupted in cheers. The act, for many watching, was a joyful tribute to track history — a young athlete paying homage to one of the sport’s greats. But for CIF officials, it was deemed unsportsmanlike conduct. Just minutes later, the CIF disqualified Clara Adams from the event, her title rescinded, and barred from competing in the 200-meter dash, where she had also been a top contender.
“I’m disappointed and I feel robbed,” Adams told local reporters. “They yelled at me and told me, ‘We’re not letting you on the podium.’ They took my moment away from me.”
According to CIF’s code of conduct, they expect athlete to exhibit sportsmanship and humility, demonstrating “class” and “respect in pre- and post-game rituals.” Officials cited these guidelines in their decision, arguing that Adams’ act violated the federation’s standards for athlete behavior.
David Adams, who has coached his daughter throughout her sprinting career, disagreed strongly with the ruling, asserting that the celebration occurred well after the race concluded and posed no disruption to fellow athletes. “When she blew the fire extinguisher, the opponents were gone,” he said. “The crowd went crazy — they loved it. Even the CIF booth was reacting positively. But a few people in jackets decided they didn’t like it and made a decision based on emotions.”
The moment has drawn national attention, especially after Maurice Greene himself learned about the disqualification. “If it was away from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her,” said Greene, who won gold in the 100-meter and 4×100-meter relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Greene’s celebration was widely celebrated in its time, becoming part of track and field lore.
Despite the controversy, Adams’ season has been nothing short of dominant. She won the 400 meters at the Central Coast Section Championships and placed first in three races at the Pacific Coast Athletic League Masters Meet in May. According to local reports, CIF has not disqualified an athlete for unsportsmanlike conduct in over two decades.
The decision has sparked renewed debate over how governing bodies enforce behavioral standards — particularly when such standards may be applied unevenly. David Adams, in addition to formally protesting the decision, said he believes race played a role in the treatment his daughter received. Clara Adams is Black.
CIF has issued no formal comment regarding the protest or the allegation of racial bias; however, the controversy has amplified broader questions about how institutions balance order, respect, and expression — especially among young athletes.
