Running a marathon is a huge achievement. Sadly, for one runner, their achievement was dampened after they got stopped by TSA because of how their medal is designed.
TikToker @miakknhagw6 posted the video, which has garnered 1.9 million views and shows a suitcase being processed by TSA. On the TSA scanner screen, the image shows the distinctive spiked medal in the corner of the case. The camera then pans to the other side of the room, where, behind the glass, the medal can be seen laying on the table. The gold medal has distinctive spikes around the edge, making the appearance of the sun. While the medal appears visually similar to the Miami Marathon medals, the Miami Marathon usually occurs in January.
Accompanying the footage is on-screen text that says, “Not the TSA agent being so annoyed because they have to throw away everyone’s marathon medals because of the spikes RIP.”
BroBible reached out to the TikToker and TSA by TikTok direct message and email, respectively.
Why Did TSA Confiscate The Medal?
As suggested by the TikToker and the commenter, it is likely that the spikes on the medal are what TSA took issue with. This is probably because they look visually similar to throwing stars, which are more commonly known as ninja stars.
In turn, according to the TSA website, while throwing stars are permitted in checked bags, they aren’t in carry-on bags.
How Did Commenters React?
“This is why I don’t run marathons,” one commenter quipped. “Another reason for me not to run a marathon,” a second agreed. A third remarked, “That’s not okay.” A fourth asked, “Why isn’t there a shipping company of some sort in airports? They could make so much money off of people shipping stuff to themselves. Then customers wouldn’t have to throw out important items.”
However, not all commenters were supportive. “Looks dangerous and don’t belong in carry on!” a fifth said. “Be smart next time.”
And a sixth wrote, “That’s why you should put it in your checked luggage and not your carry-on.”
Has This Happened Before?
In 2024, the people behind the Miami Marathon warned runners that TSA might have an issue with their meals.
In an email to runners obtained by the Miami Herald, the organizers wrote, “Given its design, we have been informed that TSA may not allow the medals to be carried on flights. As such, we encourage you to plan ahead and check your bag with your medal secure inside to avoid potential issues.”
Despite this, some runners still ran into trouble at the airport, according to Running Magazine. One runner, Ricky Dean, is reported as having the item confiscated after putting it in his carry-on bag. Meanwhile, fellow runner Alfred Scaletta reportedly ran into trouble with TSA because the medal had a ‘spinning’ feature.
TSA has been going viral a lot recently. One flyer wearing a large amount of permanent jewelry joked that they were TSA’s “worst nightmare” in a TikTok. Another shared their doubt that, based on their own experiences, TSA’s “random” selection is actually random. Still, now that the organization is seemingly cracking down on marathon medals, it begs the question—has TSA really gone too far this time?