Mallard Creek (N.C.) High School lost out on its third-straight track and field state championship all because of a student-athlete’s premature celebration.
According to WRAL, Nyan Brown was crossing the finish line to win the 4 x 400 meter relay, and he raised up his hand in celebration right before he crossed the line. Track officials claimed Brown’s hand gesture violated the rules, disqualifying him, and Mallard Creek had already been issued a warning for similar behavior earlier in the meet when Brown flexed towards the cameras after winning the 300-meter hurdles.
"Once I saw the official threw the flag up, I couldn't believe it, I was in disbelief," said Mallard Creek head coach Samuel Willoughby.
Without the 4x400 meter victory, Mallard Creek fell from first place in the meet standings. The team finished second, behind Jordan High School.
The rules of the North Carolina state track meet included two key points. First, “All coaches and athletes are expected to show good sportsmanship. Competitors who engage in taunting, profanity, baton throwing, and/or refusal to follow the instructions of the meet officials will be disqualified from the event or possibly the meet.”
Second, “The use of profanity, taunting, ‘showboating’ will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification per NCHSAA.”
Mallard Creek High School principal Dr. Jared Thompson filed an appeal with the North Carolina High School Athletics Association following the disqualification, but the NCHSAA declined to intervene.
“The NCHSAA considers the ruling of the official to be the final decision," said NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker. “Judgment decisions made by meet officials are done with the full knowledge of NFHS Track & Field Rules as well as rules and expectations of the NCHSAA relative to unsporting behavior and actions. We recognize there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches, and the school community involved.”
While the expectations of high school athletics stand apart from professional or even college-level competition, defenders of Brown’s gesture could point to celebrity sprinter Noah Lyles’ frequent celebratory antics or his stare-down with fellow professional track runner Kenny Bednarek in the 2025 U.S. Championships.
On social media, Brown said, “While I am disappointed in the final decision, I believe this moment creates an opportunity for a larger conversation within track and field about allowing young athletes to celebrate major accomplishments.”
