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

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