A Portsmouth high school student has been charged with one count of misdemeanor assault and battery after a viral video from a track meet showed her hitting another runner in the head with her baton. The incident occurred during the Class 3 VHSL Track and Field Championships at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The Portsmouth runner claimed it was an accident, but the victim, a Lynchburg student, suffered a concussion and a possible skull fracture. A USA Track and Field official described the incident as “tragic,” but emphasized that the individuals involved are high school students who made a mistake.
The charge against the student has led to her team’s disqualification from the event. The incident has sparked concerns about safety in high school sports, and CBS 6 is inviting readers to share their thoughts on the matter.
Source: https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/track-meet-baton-charges-march-13-2025