After an impressive performance at the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, star HBCU Sprinter Kai Cole is unable to participate in the Olympic Trials. In May Cole, a Norfolk State University track athlete, clinched his place at the Olympic Trials with an impressive showing at the MEAC Outdoor Championship.

He achieved a remarkable time of 10.05 seconds in the 100-meter event, surpassing the Olympic trial automatic qualifying time and claiming a prestigious top 10 spot on the national stage. Also, his outstanding performance continued as he triumphed in the 200-meter event, clocking in at an impressive time of 20.55 seconds. This achievement not only secured victory but also exceeded the minimum qualifying standard of 20.60 seconds set for the Olympic trials.

The HBCU track star posted a lengthy letter to his social media announcing the heartbreaking news.

Hey everyone,

I wanted to let you all know that I won’t be attending the Olympic Trials this weekend. As many of you know, I was supposed to be competing, but due to MEAC’s failure to sanction our conference track meet, my qualifying time of 10.05 was rejected by USATF. Despite my best efforts to appeal the decision, it was still denied, and unfortunately, my university didn’t fully support me in effort to get the ruling overturned. Opportunities like this don’t come around very often, so for this to be stripped away from me is truly heartbreaking.

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. 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.

Thank you, Coach Dwayne, Coach Ashanti, and most of all, Coach Price, for your all-out effort to fight for me. Your support means the world to me.

Thank you all for your understanding and continued support.

USA Track & Field (USATF) serves as the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running, and race walking in the United States. To be eligible for the Olympic Trials, per FloTrack, Athletes must qualify for the Trials by achieving performances at USATF-sanctioned indoor and outdoor events within the qualification period.

According to Steven J. Gaither from HBCU Gameday, Cole and his coach Jerry Price appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected, thus preventing Cole from participating in the Olympic Trials. Cole’s performance at the championships met all qualification criteria, including being wind-legal.