Local Democrats, Republicans support North Salinas runner stripped of gold medal, blast CIF

Politicians from both sides of the political aisle have come out in support of North Salinas High School runner Clara Adams after she was stripped of the gold medal in the 400-meter race and disqualified from the 200 at the state’s track and field championships last weekend.

Adams grabbed a fire extinguisher from her father, David, and sprayed her shoes with fire repellent after winning the 400 in 53.24. 

Despite the celebration occurring away from her competitors, and in the infield grass away from the track, California Interscholastic Federation officials at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Clovis considered the action unsportsmanlike.

Democrat Robert Rivas, the speaker of the California state assembly who also represents Salinas, released a statement on instagram in support of the 16-year-old. 

“Congratulations to Clara Adams for her impressive victory at the state track and field championship,” Rivas wrote. “The California Interscholastic Federation has made a terrible decision in taking away her gold medal and should apologize and reinstate her title. Clara is a true champion and a Salinas hero! She deserves her gold medal to proudly wear today and forever.”

The CIF has not responded to multiple requests for comment about Adams, including by the Bay Area News Group on Thursday morning.

Rivas was not the only local politician to take Adams’ side.

Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, a Democrat, also expressed support for the teenager in a post on the social media platform X. 

“Next week, I will request the entire Monterey County Board of Supervisors send a letter to the CIF Director of Track and Field urging that Salinas High’s #ClaraAdams be reinstated as the true State Champion in the 400-meter event,” Alejo wrote. “Officials clearly overreacted. We stand with Clara.”

Alejo and Rivas have found common ground with the opposition party on this matter.

The Monterey County Republican Party voiced its support for Adams in a statement released in a Wednesday Facebook post.

“We fully support Clara Adams in reclaiming this award,” said Brian Higgins, Political Director of the Monterey County Republican Party. “Her achievement is a source of pride, and we urge our colleagues in the Democratic Party to join us in demanding immediate action from the Salinas City Council and Monterey County Board of Supervisors. By uniting, we can send a strong message to the CIF: Clara’s hard work and victory must be acknowledged and celebrated.”

The county’s Republican party went on to propose a bipartisan resolution from the Salinas City Council and Board of Supervisors, demanding that Adams be given back the gold medal.

“Together, we can champion this young athlete who embodies the spirit of Salinas,” the statement read. “We urge swift and decisive action at both governing bodies’ next meetings to ensure Clara Adams receives the recognition she deserves.”