CHAPEL HILL — The disqualification of Nyan Brown for raising five fingers after winning the 4x400-meter relay at the 2026 North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 8A Track and Field State Championship has been overturned. The NCHSAA announced Tuesday that Mallard Creek High School and Hough High School will be recognized as co-champions in the men’s 4x400-meter relay, and Mallard Creek and C.E. Jordan High School will be named co-champions of the 8A Men’s Track and Field State Championship.
Brown’s gesture had initially resulted in a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, which disqualified Mallard Creek’s relay team and altered the final team standings. A race official had stated that Brown had previously been warned for a post-race celebration, though Mallard Creek athletes and coaches disputed having any knowledge of such a warning.
Mallard Creek High School appealed the disqualification to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Interscholastic Appeals Board. The board concluded that Mallard Creek presented clear and convincing evidence that Brown did not engage in unsporting or unacceptable conduct as defined in the track and field competition rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations. The board vacated the penalty against Brown and remanded the matter to the NCHSAA for further proceedings.
Nyan Brown and his coach stated after the race that the five-finger gesture was intended to signify five straight track titles for Mallard Creek, combining the past three outdoor and two indoor state championships. Following the appeals board’s decision, the NCHSAA held an emergency meeting and opted not to revert race-day results that had been adjusted after Brown’s initial disqualification.
"We are grateful for the decision," Mallard Creek principal Jared Thompson said, praising appeals board panelists and NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker "for their thoughtful deliberation, professionalism, and commitment to ensuring a fair and principled outcome." Thompson also thanked individuals and organizations nationwide "who offered their support to Mallard Creek High School during this process."
NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said, "We recognize that this situation has been emotional for the student-athletes, coaches, schools, and communities involved. At the center of this matter are young people who have invested countless hours into their sport and their team. We are pleased that this matter has reached a resolution and that the accomplishments of the student-athletes involved can be recognized."