The Mallard Creek Mavericks lost their chance to claim the state championship in the boys’ 4x400m relay after the controversial winning celebration of Nyan Brown. The latter’s actions led to disqualification, which has now infuriated the track community, who are strongly supporting the team online.

On the final day of the NCHSAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, drama unfolded during the boys’ 4x400m relay. Initially, the race started on a strong note for the Mavericks, as they were in the lead, and after the baton was passed to Nyan Brown, he quickly crossed the finish line first, clocking a time of 3:15.98. As soon as he crossed the line, it seemed that they had won the title; however, his celebration just before he crossed the line led to his disqualification.

The high school track and field star threw his hand up into the air just before crossing the line, and the officials immediately raised the penalty card, disqualifying him for taunting, violating rule 4-6-1. This cost the Mallard Creek Boys their chance to claim the state championship. This news quickly went viral online with a video of Brown’s celebration during the race. HighSchool OT shared the clip on X with the caption:

“Mallard Creek boys track and field was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct after winning the 4×400 relay in the final event of the day. Had the result stayed, the Mavericks would have won the team state championship. Instead, they remained in second place.”

Disqualification race video

Furious with this decision, one of the fans stated that there was nothing ‘unsportsmanlike’ and emphasized that they deserve to have that win back.

“I was waiting for something actually unsportsmanlike to happen. This video showed nothing of the sort. They deserve to have that win reinstated.”

Another user on X showcased dismay over the situation, stating that he had just ‘simply’ put his hands up.

“I am sorry i just don’t see how this is taunting. You aren’t shitting on the competition or doing any offensive acts. He simply put his hand up while crossing the finish line. As a country we gotta stop being so soft about every little instance.”

“That wasn’t unsportsmanlike. Give these kids a break. FFS.”

“It’s a joke for adults to take a title away from a kid over this very mild celebration.”

Why was Mallard Creek’s Nyan Brown warned during the 300m hurdles race at the NCHSAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships

“Earlier in the day when Brown set the 300m Hurdle State Record he was flexed to the photographers beyond the finish line in celebration and turned around walking back to towards the start finishing line and was seen celebrating with a teammate. After this race he received a warning for taunting from one of the officials.  With his hand going up prior to the finish line in the 4x400m it was the second violation of taunting and lead to their disqualification,” said the NCRunners.