This This debate is about as stupid as it gets on LR.com. Stop with the "she's a pretty white girl" stuff. The steeple had a lot of pretty white girls. But more to the point. The ump didn't see it and therefore no foul.
I've seen this happen quite a bit in track meets and I rarely see a foul or DQ called. Yes it doesn't happen. No it doesn't excuse it, but think of the NFL. You could probably call holding on nearly every play, but the refs don't.
They want to let the action on the field decide unless it is so egregious. I suspect there is a little of that. Most people notice Emma doing it because the CAMERA was on her. It could have happened to another runner for all you know.
now to the text of the rule itself. I don't know if there is an intent element to the rule or not. If you look at what happened, she stepped on the elevated rail and lost her balance. So clearly, there was no intent to cut the line or even get close. It was an accident pure and simple and she corrected it quickly. Again, I don't know if the rules take that into consideration.
Or maybe the ref thought it was on the straight part of the diversion from the track for the steeplechase water jump - which would be no foul if no material advantage was gain.
Now put away your tinfoil hats and "I believe in following the rules." BS.
Not every foul is called, not everyone gets a ticket for driving over the limit.