Taoufik Makhloufi back in London Olympics as IAAF reverses course

Taoufik Makhloufi,Algeria’sstar middle-distance runner, is back in the London Olympics after originally being expelled for not providing a “bona fide effort” in a preliminary heat of the 800 meters.

Early reports indicated that the Algerian team forgot to pull Makhloufi out of the 800 so that he could save his energy for his specialty, the 1,500 meters.

Makhloufi had qualified for Tuesday’s 1,500 final and was considered a possible medal contender. He won his semifinal heat 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 statement after the 800 heat by the IAAF, track’s governing body.

But hours later, Makhloufi was back in the 1,500, as the IAAF reversed course Monday night.

“After reviewing evidence provided by the LOCOG (London 2012 organizers) medical officer, the disqualification from further participation in the athletics competition of the 2012 Olympic Games has been revoked,” the track federation said in a statement.

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