Alexandria High School Grad Left Out Of Olympic Trials Despite Qualifying Sprint Time

VIRGINIA — While Alexandria graduate Noah Lyles is headed back to another Olympics, another sprinter from Alexandria didn't get the chance to make Team USA.

Kai Cole, a track and field athlete at Norfolk State University who graduated from Alexandria City High School, was disqualified from the Olympic Trials. In a statement posted to social media, Cole explained his conference track meet wasn't sanctioned by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Because the meet wasn't sanctioned, his qualifying finish of 10.05 seconds in the 100m was rejected by USA Track & Field for the Olympic Trials.

Cole said it was "heartbreaking" to have the opportunity taken away and said his university didn't fully support him in his effort to qualify. He thanked his coaches for their support during his attempt to qualify for Olympic Trials.

"Out of the 5 years of putting my all into Norfolk State Track and Field, it is unfortunate that this is the way my journey has to end," Cole shared. "Being a multi time champion in the MEAC conference and a 3x school record holder it's upsetting that this was out of my control."

The MEAC released a statement responding to USA Track & Field denying MEAC's appeals to have Cole compete in Olympic Trials:

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. No further comments will be made regarding this matter.

Norfolk State University issued a statement saying its administration has been pushing through "formal and informal channels" for Cole to be included in Olympic Trials.

"The University maintains its support of Kai and his Olympic dreams," the university said in a statement. "It is our belief that fairness and integrity are essential aspects of any decision-making process by the governing body, and that Kai has done all that is required for his participation in the USATF competition. His strong qualifying time and proven athletic achievements are the product of his commitment and hard work."

Virginia and Alexandria officials weighed in on Cole's disqualification from Olympic Trials.

"The @MEACSports and the @usatf failed Kai Cole," Mayor Justin Wilson said in a tweet. "Kai is a 2018 graduate of @AlexCityTitans and he SHOULD be competing this weekend at the US Olympic Trials. Alexandria is proud of you Kai! We honor your achievement."

"Heartbreaking to see Norfolk State's sprinter Kai Cole stripped of his Olympic Trials opportunity," Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a tweet. "His dedication and talent deserve the world stage and the USATF needs to reconsider."