MEAC Responds to Norfolk State Sprinter Kai Cole’s Claim of Disqualification from Olympic Trials

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) found itself in the midst of controversy after Norfolk State sprinter Kai Cole claimed that the conference failed to sanction an event that ultimately disqualified him from Olympic trial competition. In response, the MEAC released a statement addressing the situation.

The MEAC stated that despite Cole posting an automatic qualifying time at the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, their appeals to have him approved to compete at the USATF Olympic Trials were denied. This was due to USATF policy changes implemented this year, which resulted in the event not being officially sanctioned by USATF, rendering all competition results ineligible for Olympic trial qualification.

While the policy changes were not specified in the statement, USATF has outlined requirements for event sanctioning on their website. Among these requirements is the recommendation to have events sanctioned at least thirty days prior to the event to ensure compliance with participant registration and liability waivers.

The MEAC expressed understanding of Cole’s frustration and stated that they took all available steps to rectify the situation so he could compete in the Olympic trials, emphasizing that he deserved the opportunity. The conference also affirmed their support for member institutions and student athletes in their pursuit of excellence.

Despite their efforts, the MEAC acknowledged USATF’s decision and expressed disappointment, committing to ensuring that their track and field championships are USATF-sanctioned events in the future. The conference concluded by stating that they would have no further comment on the matter.

Cole, a fifth-year senior, had achieved a conference-best time of 10.05 in the 100-meter dash, which would have placed him in a qualifying position for the Olympic trials. The situation has sparked discussions about the importance of event sanctioning and its impact on athletes’ opportunities to compete at the highest levels.