Lip reader decodes what high school runner said before striking opponent with baton during race

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA: A lip reader shares insights after a high school indoor track championship in Virginia went viral when a baton-wielding runner struck her opponent in the head.

The viral incident occurred at the Virginia track championships when Alaila Everett of IC Norcom High School struck Brookville High School's Kaelen Tucker during the 4x200m relay.

Lip reader examines exchange between Alaila Everett and Kaelen Tucker

The apparent dispute between Alaila Everett and Kaelen Tucker unfolded as Tucker ran the second leg of the relay for her Lynchburg-based school, crossing Everett on the outside track.

The clip then shows Everett pulling her right arm back after striking Tucker on the head with her baton.

After analyzing multiple clips, expert Nicola Hickling, founder of LipReader, shared with the Daily Mail what may have transpired between the two opponents at that moment.

Hickling revealed that as Tucker crossed her, Everett shouted “Get off” and “Hey oh.” However, she noted that despite analyzing multiple clips, the grainy footage made it difficult to reach a definitive conclusion.

Kaelen Tucker reveals she still ‘can't believe it happened’

Following the incident, Kaelen Tucker revealed to local ABC affiliate WSET that she is still in shock and struggling to process what happened.

Speaking to the outlet, the young track star shared, “I still can't believe it, I'm in shock. I'm still trying to take it all in, I can't believe it happened.”

Addressing Everett, she continued, “Why did you do it, and why haven't you apologized?”

Even her mother, Tamarro, shared with WSET that her daughter did not receive an apology from anyone from Norcom High School. “No apologies. No coaches. No athlete. No anything. Even if it was an accident, which I don't believe it was, nothing,” shared the worried mother. According to the outlet, Tucker has been treated for a concussion and a possible skull fracture. 

Despite Tucker’s claims, Everett stated that she attempted to reach out but was unable to contact her. She claimed she had been blocked on social media. 

Alaila Everett shares her side of the story

Alaila Everett too, opened up about the incident during an interview with Wavy.com on Monday, March 10. 

Revealing that she has been receiving racial slurs and death threats, the youngster shared, “Nobody is going to believe me because I can admit from the video it does look purposeful. But I know my intentions and I would never hit anybody on purpose.”

She explained, “After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance and, when I pumped my arms again, she got hit.”

A tearful Everett claimed that there is more than meets the eye. She continued, “They are assuming my character,” and noted she has been hurled with “racial slurs, death threats,” among others. 

“All of this off of a nine-second video,” insisted Everett, before adding, “Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental (health).”

As per the latest reports, the Virginia High School League has been “reviewing the situation”.