**Teen Sprinter Disqualified After Controversial Celebration with Fire Extinguisher**

A Salinas high school sprinter, Clara Adams, was disqualified from the CIF State Championships over her unique post-race celebration using a fire extinguisher, despite securing a victory in the 400-meter final.

The 16-year-old athlete from North Salinas High School clinched the state title with an impressive time of 53.24 seconds. Following her win, Adams grabbed a fire extinguisher from her coach and father and used it to symbolically put out her spikes, an act initially met with enthusiasm from the crowd and CIF officials.

Clara Adams expressed her disappointment over the decision to strip her of the title, saying, "I worked so hard for that title." Her father, David Adams, defended the celebration, stating that it was a personal moment of joy following her hard-earned victory.

However, CIF officials viewed the celebration as unsportsmanlike, leading to her disqualification. David Adams criticized the officials' decision, noting, "That was our moment of celebration, and CIF officials made it about them. The crowd went crazy, they loved it, the CIF booth went crazy, they loved it. But those few guys in those jackets took offense to it, didn't like it, and made a decision based off emotions."

American sprint legend Maurice Greene, known for popularizing the fire extinguisher celebration, showed his support for Clara Adams. Greene commented, "When I heard, cause it happened, and then people just started calling me 'This girl who just ran the 400 did your celebration' I was like huh? What?" He added, "If it was away from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her."

Additionally, Clara's father faced scrutiny for jumping the railing onto the track in reaction to the treatment his daughter received. He explained that his actions were driven by his frustration over the officials’ response to Clara's celebration.

Despite being the fastest 400-meter runner in the state, Adams returned home without the championship medal. Even if reinstated, she missed the crowning moment of being acknowledged as a champion on the podium.