• London 2012 - Athletics

Algerian athlete reinstated to 1500m

ESPN staff
August 6, 2012
Taoufik Makhloufi will race in Tuesday's 1500m final © PA Photos
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Algerian athlete Taoufik Makhloufi has been reinstated to London 2012 less than 24 hours after being thrown out of the Games for not trying hard enough in his 800m heat.

Makhloufi, who had established himself as a medal contender in the 1500m semi-finals on Sunday, was forced to compete in the 800m heats after his federation failed to withdraw him before the deadline.

Intent on conserving his energy ahead of Tuesday's 1500m final, the Algerian pulled off the track just 100m into the race.

He was initially excluded from the Games "for not providing a bona fide effort", but was reinstated after producing a doctor's certificate explaining why he performed so badly in the 800m.

"After reviewing evidence provided by the LOCOG medical officer, the disqualification of [Taoufik Makhloufi] from further participation in the athletics competition of the 2012 Olympic Games has been revoked," the IAAF said in a statement.

In other news, Italy's Alex Schwazer will not defend his men's 50km walk title after the Italian tested positive for doping.

"I made a mistake. My career is finished," Schwazer told Italian news agency Ansa. "I wanted to be stronger for this Olympics, I made a mistake."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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