Running News Daily

High school runner disqualified for celebrating

The running world is confused after a high-school runner was disqualified from the Maryland 1A West Region meet for celebrating during his 300m victory. Catoctin High School senior Brody Buffington set out to defend his state title over 300m, but his title defense did not come without some controversy. Buffington knew he had a lead down the final stretch, and threw his arms in the air about 20 metres before the finish line, which resulted in a disqualification for “taunting.” 

His celebration cost him the victory and the chance to retain his 300m title. According to The Maryland Herald, Buffington was disqualified for “an action which brings discredit to an individual or their school, citing the NFHS rule book.”Many notable members of the running community expressed confusion on Twitter about why Buffington was DQ’d, seeing no harm in what he did:

“I’ve watched this video 20 times. What am I missing?! I see a kid running hard and having fun. I see him enjoying his moment. I don’t see any disrespect. Gah, track and field, why are we killing our own excitement?” – @KaraGoucher, U.S. Olympian and marathoner.

“That’s so stupid. Why do we keep hindering ourselves as a sport.” – @LylesNoah, reigning 200m world champion.

“Is that the celebration he got DQ’d for?” – @ReidCoolsaet, a two-time Canadian Olympic marathoner and ultrarunner.

“That’s messed up!” – @LukeMathews95, Australian 800m Commonwealth Games medallist. 

Sometimes disqualifications make sense, but in Buffington’s case, it makes no sense, as the other athletes in the race were his teammates. In my opinion, if you are winning races, you deserve the right to show off a bit of emotion.

300m, but his title defense did not come without some controversy.