Taoufik Makhloufi Ruled Eligible to Compete After Expulsion
Taoufik Makhloufi, an Olympic distance runner who was expelled from the games for not trying hard enough, was reinstated after officials determined he had a legitimate medical reason to not finish the race.
The controversy surrounding Algeria's Taoufik Makhloufi started after he had qualified for the final in the 1,500m after he won his semi-final heat three minutes and 42.24 seconds.
The runner had also been slated to run in the 800m, but a request to withdraw from the race was denied after Makhlouf failed to submit the request before the deadline and was forced to participate. There were earlier reports that he took it easy to save his legs for his specialty and the race he has a chance to win, the 1,500m.
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During the 2-lap race the 24-year-old started with other competitors in the 800, but then slowed to a stop after only completing several hundred meters and, according to local reports from the Guardian, simply "wandered back across the infield." At the time of his withdrawal, he was already far behind the next closest runner.
After the race, a spokesperson for the International Association of Athletics Federations felt that the effort put forth by the runner was not adequate and expelled him.
"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.
There was a quick backlash after claims surfaced that Makhloufi had suffered a minor knee injury that forced him to quit, squashing notions that he was expelled because he did try hard enough.
The matter was quickly resolved after the claim was backed up after a medical officer's review of the situation.
"After reviewing evidence provided by the LOCOG (London 2012 organizers) medical officer, the disqualification from further participation in the athletics competition of the 2012 Olympic Games has been revoked," according to an IAAF statement.
