Earlier today we told you about Taoufik Makhloufi, the Algerian runner who threw his 800-meter heat to focus solely on the 1,500-meter race.
Makhloufi didn't just run a slow heat, though, he pretty much refused to run at all, and the International Association of Athletics Federations kicked him out of the Olympics for it.
The only way Makhloufi could be re-instated was to provide a doctor's excuse for not finishing the 800-meter heat, and according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo!, that somehow happened.
Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi is being allowed back in the Olympics after being tossed for not trying in the 800-meters.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) August 6, 2012
Statement says reinstatement came "After reviewing evidence provided by a LOCOG medical officer". So the dude basically got a doctor's note.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) August 6, 2012
Let's review the evidence. Here's what Makhloufi looked like before the race:
And here he is after voluntarily stopping midway through the race so he could cheer on his fellow runners from the infield:
Makhloufi didn't appear to be injured in the slightest, he simply just didn't want to run. Somehow, a doctor has conjured up a fake illness or injury out of this debacle, and the IAAF bought it.
Makhloufi will now be able to run in the 1,500-meter final, where he is a favorite to medal.
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