London Olympics: Algerian runner expelled for not trying

LONDON -- Middle-distance star Taoufik Makhloufi of Algeria was expelled from the Olympics for not providing a “bona-fide effort” in his preliminary heat of the 800 meters, having quit in the early going.

He joined eight female badminton players who were tossed from the London Games last week for attempting to throw matches to secure a better draw going forward.

There were reports indicating that the Algerian team forgot to pull Makhloufi out of the 800, and he had to run the event despite wanting to save his energy for the 1,500 meters. So he ran ... ever so briefly at the Olympic Stadium on Monday morning.

PHOTOS: London Olympics - Day 10

The action goes beyond affecting the 800, as Makhloufi had qualified for the 1,500 final on Tuesday and was considered a possible outside medal contender. He won his semifinal heat on Sunday in 3 minutes 42.24 seconds.

“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,” said the IAAF statement.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: IAFF reverses course; Makhloufi is back in Games

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