Why wasn't Texas A&M DQed in the women's 4x4 of SECs?

This was a tough call because both teams were at fault: Tennessee didn't have quite enough space to get through without bumping A&M, but then A&M gave a bigger shove back to try to protect the lead. I wouldn't have been *against* the DQ here, but I think letting the result stand was defensible.

The Tennessee anchor was ahead. A&M was passing her and tried to cut in far too soon. Tennessee had every right to push her. Amazingly the A&M anchor kept shouldering her instead of running straight ahead.

We must have watched a different race. A&M was in front. The Tennessee girl initiated contact when she tried to jam herself through on the inside where there wasn’t enough room to pass.

Ultimately it didn’t change the outcome of the race because A&M finished so far ahead it didn’t matter.

Belatedly I checked the video, and paused it.

LRC Update: They didn't link the the point of contention. Here it is:

You are right that A&M was ahead but take a look. She was running virtually on the lane line. The Tennessee runner did try to pass inside and could have made it, but the A&M anchor tried to cut her off when they were almost dead even. Perhaps it's not clear cut, but it seems to me that for the A&M runner to move in legitimately she should have done it before they were shoulder to shoulder.

SMH....If you thought that was the most flagrant foul or bump or shove you have ever seen, then you clearly haven't been watching track & field.

First off why in the hell was the Texas A&M runner running on the outside of the lane on the curve? Why run a longer distance? WTH? If someone is going to pass you, make them go wide and run a longer distance. Never ever let someone pass you on the inside, especially on the curve.

The bump was a non factor. The Tennessee girl tried and yes the A&M girl bumped her....that just 4x4 racing. If you don't want to get bumped, get the lead and stay in the lead.

Democrats??? This is Track..... urlost. and need h e l p.

Th Tennessee runner had no business trying to pass on the inside. I don't know why passing on the inside has become such a thing. It's like runners expect the person they're trying to pass to politely scoot over and let them squeeze in. Nope.

Probably not an advisable inside pass but A&M left enough room and Tennessee made it happen. You can clearly see around 13:47 of the YouTube video that Tennessee is fully past A&M. A&M then uses her elbow to reach around and hold Tennessee back and regain the position. Could go either way on the initial pass but A&M getting the lead back is a clear DQ.

Thoughts
Why was A&M even running that far out in the lane?

To me looked like no harm no foul.

the tennessee girl had better legs

Given the content of letsrun at this point is more politics than track, I would say you are the one who is lost here, sir.

You have a good point, but I had zero political motivation for starting this thread. I do not see how any correlation to politics applies to seeing who was at fault for their shoulder to shoulder shoving.
To me it is clear that the A&M runner left too much room between her and the rail, and the Tennessee anchor took advantage of it. Belatedly, when the Tennessee anchor was next to her, she realized, too late, her mistake. And fouled the Tennessee runner.

This.

A&M left a gap, which is taking a risk.

Tennessee tried to pass on the inside, which is taking a risk.

Through multiple instances of contact, both runners kept their cool and ran on.

Rubbin' is racin'. Great moment for two competitors.