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3mo ago

Clara Adams Loses California State Title Over Fire Extinguisher Celebration

Her disqualification has drawn support from Olympic gold medalist Maurice Greene alongside over 1,700 petitioners urging the CIF to rescind its decision.

An aerial view of the track and football field at Veterans Memorial Stadium at Buchanan High School on May 26, 2025, in Clovis, Calif.
Competitors are introduced during the 105th California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track & Field Championships in Clovis on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
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Overview

  • Clara Adams was stripped of her CIF 400-meter state title and barred from the 200-meter final after an off-track fire extinguisher celebration modeled on Maurice Greene.
  • California Interscholastic Federation officials ruled the tribute unsportsmanlike and upheld the disqualification despite no similar penalties in 20 years of championships.
  • A petition to reinstate Adams’ title has gathered over 1,700 signatures in a show of community support.
  • Maurice Greene publicly backed Adams, stating that celebrations that do not interfere with competitors should be allowed.
  • Adams’ father and coach, David Adams, alleges the ruling was racially motivated and critics have raised concerns about inconsistent officiating standards.