Running 48.67 seconds in the 400m and walking off like it was just another day? That’s not normal. That’s extraordinary. And in 2025, it happened. The time was the world lead in the women’s 400m. The athlete? Unsponsored. The effort? Effortless. And the name behind it?  Well, she is a former world champion. An Olympic silver medalist in Paris. And now, a comeback story that’s grabbing the sport by the collar and demanding attention. But was the climax in her favor? The answer is quiet on a sad note.

That’s Salwa Eid Naser for you. After lighting up the track in April, Naser brought the fireworks to Doha, where she stormed to victory in the Diamond League, proving her return was no fluke. She followed that up with a strong presence in Grand Slam Track, the revolutionary new pro league. In the first four GST meets, Naser hit the podium three times. She was in rhythm, unstoppable—until the fifth.

On May 31, the Nigerian-born Bahraini star clocked 49.47 seconds, finishing second behind the reigning Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino. Another podium, another statement. But then—heartbreak. Moments later, Naser was disqualified for a lane infringement, She took the wrong lane (5) with Nickisha Pryce after starting in lane 6. However, such a mistake was enough to wipe her result off the board. From celebration to devastation, just like that.

Salwa Eid Naser is no longer in contention for the Grand Slam Track’s top prize in the women’s long sprint division after the disqualification in Philadelphia. Had her result stood, she would have secured second place behind Marileidy Paulino. But in the nervous moment, she lost both the track and her chance of pocketing $100,000 as the prize money. However, the Olympic star isn’t the first athlete to face disqualification in any track and field contest this season.

Apart from the Olympic medalist, there were a few more 

It’s been a dramatic week on the track—from disqualifications to red cards (yes, in athletics!), athletes have kept officials on their toes. Let’s start with Kristina Knott, the Philippines’ sprint queen and national record holder in both the 100m and 200m. She lined up in Heat 2 of the women’s 100m at the Asian Athletics Championships with fire in her eyes—but that fire lit just a bit too soon. A false start ended her run before it even began. What made it sting even more? 

There was already one false start in the heat before Knott was taken out. Still, she’ll have a shot at redemption: PATAFA secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco told RP2 Sports Radio that Knott will shift her focus to the 200m on Friday, May 30—and if there’s one thing we know, it’s that she doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Meanwhile, in Salamanca, Spain, things got… a little heated. During the Under-20 Indoor Track Championships, Spanish runner Mario Palencia found himself in hot water—literally inches from the finish line. After finishing third in the 1,500m (not a bad result by any measure), Palencia let frustration take over. Apparently miffed at Daniel López, who edged him out for second and had reportedly cut across his path during the race, Palencia lashed out—earning himself a red card. Yes, a red card in track and field. Who knew?

That act may have cost him more than a medal. Sportsmanship matters just as much as speed. From Knott’s early launch to Palencia’s late fury, it’s been a reminder that in track and field, the action doesn’t stop at the finish line—and sometimes, the drama starts before the gun even goes off.