Overview

• Clara Adams was stripped of her 400-meter title and barred from the 200-meter final after officials ruled her fire extinguisher tribute unsportsmanlike.
• Her celebration paid homage to Maurice Greene’s 2004 victory ritual, and Greene has publicly urged the federation to reinstate her.
• Adams described feeling “robbed” when she was prevented from stepping onto the podium moments after winning.
• Her father handed her the extinguisher, briefly crossed track barriers to confront officials, and alleges the decision reflects racial double standards as he readies a lawsuit.
• The CIF has not commented on reversing the ruling, leaving the penalty in place as Adams’s family prepares a legal challenge.