High school runner brutally floors athlete with violent sucker-punch during race

03/31/2022

A high school middle distance running race descended into chaos when a runner was attacked violently by a rival.

The shocking scene took place during a 1,600-metre event at a track meet in Kissimmee, Florida, on Saturday, March 26. Those in attendance at the Tohopekaliga Tiger Invitational were left stunned when the runner leading the race was targeted by the athlete directly behind him.

Footage of the event, which has been circulated online, shows the second-placed runner, wearing a dark outfit, catch up to the leader in a white shirt and red shorts before swinging a huge right arm in his direction. The stricken runner immediately hit the floor and stayed there, crumpled in a heap.

Many of those watching from the stands were heard making noises of shock as the runner was floored. One particularly irate spectator could be heard yelling: "Are you f***ing kidding me? Are you f***ing kidding me?"

Other runners behind the incident were seen to continue running their race, rather than stopping to help the victim. TMZ reported that witnesses claimed the attacker was not a part of the event, and had been standing on the track.

Those same bystanders said the leader of the race had shouted at the man wearing black to move during the previous lap. Instead of doing so, he remained on the track and had been pushed by the runner as he came round the corner on his next lap.

Responding to that push, the attacker then chased down the race leader and punched him from behind. According to Running Magazine, the victim was later able to get back to his feet and finish the race.

Running Magazine also reported that police were called to the scene over the incident, but it was not known if any charges were filed. The Florida High School Athletic Association was also notified of the incident.

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