Australian sprinter Torrie Lewis said she was not surprised that no one shook the hand of Adaejah Hodge after the women's 200m final [1].
The incident highlights the lingering tension and professional isolation that can follow high-profile doping allegations within the elite athletics community.
The race took place on Aug. 1, 2026 [2], at the Commonwealth Games athletics stadium in Glasgow, Scotland [1]. Following the event, Hodge, representing the British Virgin Islands, experienced a visible lack of camaraderie from her fellow competitors [1].
Lewis said that the frosty post-race atmosphere was expected given the history surrounding the athlete. The tension stems from a doping scandal involving Hodge that dates back to 2024 [1]. While Hodge competed in the Glasgow games, the previous controversy continues to affect her relationships with other sprinters on the track [2].
Athletes often maintain a strict code of conduct regarding sportsmanship, but the silence following the 200m final suggests a breakdown in that tradition. The lack of embraces or handshakes is rare in championship finals, where competitors typically acknowledge one another regardless of the outcome [1].
Lewis said she did not express shock at the behavior of the other runners, suggesting that the sentiment among the athletes reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the 2024 incident [1]. The event serves as a reminder of how long-term reputational damage can persist in professional sports, even after an athlete returns to competition [2].
“No one shook Adaejah Hodge’s hand”
This event demonstrates the social consequences of doping allegations in professional sports. While legal or regulatory bodies may permit an athlete to return to competition, the 'court of public opinion' among peers often takes longer to resolve. The isolation of Hodge suggests that the athletics community may use social shunning as a secondary form of sanctioning when official penalties are deemed insufficient or have already been served.
