A high school athlete in the United States says she is facing racial slurs and death threats following a video that showed her hitting a competitor with a baton during a 4×200 metre race, an act she claims was accidental.

Alaila Everett, of IC Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia spoke to WAVY TV 10 News days after a video went viral showing her hitting another competitor in the head with a baton. The victim was Kaelen Tucker, a junior at Brookville High School in Lynchburg.

The two were competing in the 4×200 meter relay at a sports meet when they stumbled into each other around the bend of the track.

“After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit,” a Alaila said, tearfully.

The incident has ignited debate online, with many social media users accusing Alaila of deliberately hitting her competitor. Kaelen and her parents, who have served the Everett family with court papers, say while her father issued an apology, Alaila has not.

“I know my intentions and I would never hit someone on purpose,” Alaila said, adding that she had attempted to contact Kaelen, but had been blocked by her on social media.

Frustrated that Alaila kept running after Kaelen collapsed and neither Alaila nor her coach had even thought to check on their daughter after the incident, the Tuckers told another news station, WSLS 10, that they were seeking an apology directly from Alaila.