Norfolk State sprinter Kai Cole qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in track and field at the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference championships in May. However, the MEAC completely bungled its meet and failed its athletes in truly embarrassing fashion.
Cole is not allowed to compete for a spot on Team USA’s roster for Paris because of a clerical error.
The MEAC did not ensure that its conference championship meet was sanctioned by the United States’ governing body of Track & Field, which robbed the fifth-year graduate student of his opportunity to run at the Olympic Trials. USATF deemed him ineligible.
Cole announced the devastating news on Thursday, one day before he was supposed to begin competition in Eugene, Oregon. His appeal was denied. He cannot run.
According to Cole, Norfolk State did not provide much assistance. It issued the following statement to HBCU Gameday anyway:
It is with great disappointment that Norfolk State Athletics confirms the disqualification of Kai Cole’s 100-meter time, rendering him ineligible to compete at the 2024 US Olympic Trials. This news comes as a profound blow to our athletics department, as Kai is one of our most outstanding student-athletes.
Kai had earned the well-deserved opportunity to represent his country on the international stage, showcasing his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. It is truly disheartening that he will not be able to pursue his dream of competing on one of the world’s biggest platforms this year.
We want to emphasize that Kai’s journey leading up to this moment has been marked by tireless effort and an indomitable spirit. His accomplishments While this setback is undoubtedly challenging, we have full confidence that Kai will demonstrate the same resilience and determination that has defined his career thus far.
Kai has become one of the most decorated athletes in our program’s history during his time at Norfolk State, leading our teams to six total MEAC championships. He’s racked up nine individual conference titles, set multiple school records, and most importantly, earns consistent accolades on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
As a department, Norfolk State Athletics stands firmly behind Kai during this difficult time. We will continue to provide unwavering support as he navigates these challenges and works towards his goals. Together, we will overcome this setback and emerge stronger than ever.
We extend our gratitude to Kai for his unwavering commitment and the pride he has brought to our institution. We also want to express our appreciation to the entire Norfolk State community for their ongoing support of our student-athletes. Your encouragement means the world to us and plays a significant role in shaping their journeys.
Norfolk State University and Norfolk State Athletics stands firmly behind Kai and we will continue to provide our unwavering support as he navigates these challenges.
— Norfolk State Athletics
This comes after Cole ran a 10.05-second time in the 100-meter dash at the MEAC outdoor track and field championships last month. It was the third-fastest time in the NCAA this season. It clinched him a conference title and a top-10 national ranking, and met the Olympic trial qualifying time— down to the millisecond.
However, Cole’s time was not recorded at a sanctioned event.
A USATF sanction is an official designation issued by USATF, through a local Association, which approves and licenses the holding of a competitive track & field, long distance running, or race walking event in the United States. The sanction is also a contract, which evidences the event’s commitment to follow national and international rules and regulations of the sport, and to provide a safe environment for the participants and spectators. Once the event has satisfied the sanction requirements, the event’s application for sanction is approved.
— United States Track & Field
Because the meet was not sanctioned, Cole is disqualified from the Olympic Trials. And to make matters worse, the MEAC tried to blame some of its inept negligence on USATF.
The MEAC was recently informed that our multiple appeals submitted last week to have Kai Cole approved to compete at this year’s USATF Olympic Trials were denied by USATF, despite his posting an automatic qualifying time at the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship. Although the MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship remains an official NCAA Division-I championship event, USATF policy changes implemented this year resulted in the event not being officially sanctioned by USATF, making all competition results ineligible for Olympic Trial qualification.
We understand Kai’s frustration and took all available steps to rectify the situation so he could compete in the Olympic Trials – an opportunity he clearly deserves. The MEAC fully supports our member institutions and student-athletes as they pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. We are disappointed by the decision from USATF and are working to ensure our track and field championships are sanctioned USATF events moving forward.
— Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
It is not particularly complicated to ensure that a track and field meet is sanctioned. The process is not hard. There is no excuse for the MEAC’s non-fulfillment of duty.
Kai Cole deserved better.
If the USATF policy changes were implemented this year, the MEAC should have simply adjusted to the policy changes to ensure that the meet was officially sanctioned. Plain and simple!
USATF made it abundantly clear that all of the fault lies with the MEAC. Cole and his good friend Rayquan Smith fired back at the conference with receipts.
Kai,
The qualifying criteria for the Trials detail what are considered legal marks for entry. (All entry performances must be legal marks that have been achieved at a USATF-sanctioned meet or at a meet listed on the World Athletics Calendar and be included in the World Athletics Toplists.)
The meet where you ran 10.05 was not USATF sanctioned or listed on the World Athletics Calendar.
— Glen McMicken, USA Track & Field Statistician
Although Cole’s time of 10.05 was likely not going to be enough to make Team USA’s roster for the Paris Olympics, he deserves to be there to try and set a PR. The MEAC failed its athletes and tried to make excuses. The MEAC failed Kai Cole.