The New Testament uses running a race as a metaphor for the Christian life. In Utah, though, a teen runner had her first-place-finish stripped from her because she chose to wear a symbol of her faith in a race. From the Salt Lake Tribune:
After finishing first in the 100 meters in the Region 3 championship meet last May, Jazmine Wittman appeared to have all the momentum she needed headed into the state meet, at the same distance.
But a small piece of jewelry robbed Wittman of her momentum, and her region title.
The Hunter sprinter was disqualified after it was discovered she was wearing a leather necklace during the race. Wittman thought nothing of it.
She wore the necklace bearing a religious symbol - a fish - often.
Wittman never suspected the piece would cause her any trouble.
"I thought you could wear a religious necklace," Wittman said. "It wasn't even hanging. It was tight, too. I guess they saw it and disqualified me."
The Utah High School Activities Association Rule 4-3-3, 9-6-7 states "contestants shall not wear jewelry with the exception of religious or medical medals . . ."
Wittman may have protested the ruling, though her necklace was not a "medal," it was religious in nature. She did not, however. . . .
These days, Wittman is more cautious. All of her jewelry stays at home when she heads for the track.
"I don't even wear earrings anymore because I don't want to take them out," Wittman said
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