[danielf]

Muppets do u-turn

London 2012 Olympics: Algeria's Taoufik Makhloufi reinstated into Olympic 1500m final after being thrown out for lack of effort at 800m
Algerian medal contender Taoufik Makhloufi has been reinstated to run in the Olympic 1500 metres final after he was earlier thrown out of the Olympics for not trying hard enough in his 800m heat.

Makhloufi had already qualified for today’s 1500m final by winning his semi-final on Sunday. It was reported that following his 1500m race he no longer wanted to run in the 800m but his National Olympic Committee failed to withdraw him before the deadline.

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But Locog, the London Olympic organising committee, later released a statement confirming the disqualification had been revoked.

“After reviewing evidence provided by a Locog medical officer, the disqualification of athlete 1008 (Makhloufi) from further participation in the athletics competition of the 2012 Olympic Games has been revoked by the IAAF technical delegates. Consequently,
Mr Makhloufi is able to compete,” it said.

An IAAF spokeswoman had earlier confirmed that by obtaining a medical certificate from a local doctor explaining he had an ailment that troubled him, but which could clear up, Makhloufi was able to gain readmittance into the Games.

So if you don't perform at your best in an event because you want to conserve energy for another one you get thrown out. It's perfectly acceptable however, to lie in order to get back in. That's the Olympic Spirit!!!