The celebration that got US high school sprinter disqualified in championship relay race

A high school track star in the US was left stunned over the weekend after he learned one simple act in the final metres of his 4x400m relay cost his team victory.

Nyan Brown was leading when he began to raise five fingers in the air to celebrate what looked to be Mallard Creek high school's fifth state championship title.

The win marked the third consecutive time the the Mallard Creek team had won the state championship title, although their celebrations were promptly dashed by officials.

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As per the North Carolina state competition rule book, athletes can be disqualified if they perform an act that can be deemed to be taunting rival competitors.

"Unsportsmanlike conduct ... includes, but is not limited to, disrespectfully addressing an official, any flagrant behaviour, intentional contact, taunting, criticising or using profanity directed toward someone," the rule book states, as per US media.

"This shall apply to all coaches, contestants and other team/school personnel."

In the 18-year-old's case, raising his hand before the finish line was a violation.

Officials posted on the scoreboard that Brown's team had been disqualified due to unsportsmanlike conduct as a result of him raising his hand.

The decision meant that Mallard Creek were short of topping the leaderboard for the state championship title, which was later awarded to Durham Jordan.

"That relay mattered deeply to me because a win would have secured our team's fifth consecutive state championship. I wanted that for my teammates more than anything," Brown wrote in a statement on Instagram.

"They worked incredibly hard for every point this season, and we had seniors on this team who had never experienced winning a state championship.

"Anyone who has competed against me over the last nine years know that I have always competed with respect for the sport and my opponents. I would never intentionally taunt another other.

"While I am disappointed in the final decision, I believe this moment creates an opportunity for a larger conversation within track and field about allowing young athletes to celebrate major accomplishments.

"Throughout the week, athletes across all classifications celebrated their victories in different ways ... I am happy for those athletes, and I believe they should be able to celebrate those moments."

The video of the race has been viewed over 9.1 million times on X, with people criticising officials for making the call.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) board replied to criticism on the officiating in a statement on X.

"The conclusion of the men's track and field championship has generated significant discussion across North Carolina and beyond," the NCHSAA wrote.

"The NCHSAA recognises and understands there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches, and the school community involved.

"As previously stated, officiating decisions made during competition are judgment calls administered by certified meet officials under NFHS playing rules and NCHSAA rules relative to unsporting behaviour and actions, and are considered final decisions."

It has since been reported that Mallard Creek are appealing the decision and have filed a report to the NCHSAA board about the matter.

The incident was not the only violation Brown received at the meet, he was also warned that his celebration after winning the 300-metre hurdles was not within the rules.

At the end of that race, Brown was seen flexing his muscles for photographers.

"I will continue learning from this experience," the teenage sprinter said.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this experience."