Taoufik Makhloufi: Algerian Olympic runner reinstated for 1,500 final in London

Algerian middle-distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi has been reinstated for the 1,500-meter final after he had been disqualified from the London Olympics for allegedly not trying hard enough Monday in the 800 heats.
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Posted: 08/06/2012

By: Associated Press

LONDON - Algerian middle-distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi has been reinstated for the 1,500-meter final after he had been disqualified from the London Olympics for allegedly not trying hard enough Monday in the 800 heats.

Makhloufi had already qualified for Tuesday's 1,500 final, where he was a likely medal contender, when he stopped running in the first lap of his 800 heat.

The race referee ruled that the 24-year-old African champion in the 800 was guilty of "failure to compete honestly with bona fide effort" but the Algerian federation insisted he had a knee problem and that organizers knew about it.

After assessing evidence of a games medical officer, the disqualification was revoked and the runner can compete in Tuesday's 1,500 final.