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Makhloufi thrown out of Games for not trying

Sport
LONDON – Algerian 1,500 metres medal contender Taoufik Makhloufi has been thrown out of the London Olympics for not trying in his 800 heat, the International Association of Athletics Federations said on Monday. Makhloufi, who won his 1,500m semi-final in three minutes 42.24 seconds, had been forced to run in the two lap race after […]

LONDON – Algerian 1,500 metres medal contender Taoufik Makhloufi has been thrown out of the London Olympics for not trying in his 800 heat, the International Association of Athletics Federations said on Monday.

Makhloufi, who won his 1,500m semi-final in three minutes 42.24 seconds, had been forced to run in the two lap race after his team failed to withdraw him from it by Sunday’s deadline, an IAAF spokeswoman said.

The 24-year-old lined up at the start of heat five at the Olympic stadium on Monday morning but was already well behind the field at the start of the back straight before stopping running completely another 100 metres into the race and wandering back across the infield past the pole vault area.

“The Referee considered that he had not provided a bona fide effort and decided to exclude him from participation in all further events in the competition,” read an IAAF statement.

Makhloufi stormed past Olympic and world champion Asbel Kiprop in a stunning to finish to his 1,500m heat on Sunday, marking him out as a title contender.

The IAAF spokeswoman said he could be reinstated for Tuesday’s 1,500m final if he could get a medical certificate from a local doctor.

The exclusion is the latest in a string of incidents at the Games where athletes have not tried to win in order to manipulate results or draws in their ultimate favour.