Spectators Confused After Charlotte Olympian Disqualified During Event

An Olympic athlete from Charlotte competing in the Tokyo Olympics was disqualified during her event, but many people watching were left confused as to why.

Anna Cockrell, a 2016 graduate from Providence Day School, secured her place in the women's 400-meter hurdles finals after finishing second in the semifinals with a time of 54.17. She appeared in the finals on Tuesday night (August 3), but sometime during the race she was disqualified. Sydney McLaughlin won the gold for Team USA, with fellow U.S. athlete Dalilah Muhammad claiming silver.

According to WCNC, Cockrell didn't appear to make any visible violations, and announcers didn't explain, so many people watching were confused about what exactly disqualified the 23-year-old athlete. It wasn't until later when NBC confirmed that she was disqualified because of a lane violation, stepping on a lane line during the race when athletes are required to stay in their own lane.

Cockrell took to Instagram after the race to give her thoughts on the disappointing results.

"Obviously this wasn't the result I was hoping for," she said. "Though I'm disappointed, my head remains high. I know I made my family, my city, and the 2019 version of me that had stopped believing in happiness proud."

"Three things I am grateful for, in order," she said. "1) I am alive. 2) My family and friends are the most amazing support system I could ask for. 3) I'm an Olympic finalist."

Following the disqualification, Cockrell is looking ahead to the future, saying the world hasn't seen the last of her.

"I told y'all after 2019 NCAAs that I'd be back," she said. "Saying the same thing now. STILL fighting."