Olympics 2012: Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi Reinstated After Brief Ban

Update: Monday, August 6 at 3 p.m. ET

Makhloufi has been reinstated by IAAF, according to Reuters. He will now be allowed to compete in the 1,500-meter final after getting cleared by a medical official for his perceived lack of effort during his 800-meter heat.

The race will take place on Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

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Taoufik Makhloufi had become the latest athlete to get removed from Olympic competition for failing to try during one of his events. But the decision has been reversed following further review, allowing him to remain an active athlete at the London Games.

Based on a report from Reuters, the Algerian runner didn't give a concerted effort in an 800-meter heat, instead deciding to pull up early. The International Association of Athletics Federations took quick action, banning him from further participation in the Games.

Update: Monday, August 6 at 3 p.m. ET

Makhloufi has been reinstated by IAAF, according to Reuters. He will now be allowed to compete in the 1,500-meter final after getting cleared by a medical official for his perceived lack of effort during his 800-meter heat.

The race will take place on Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

---End of update---

Original Article

Makhloufi had previously qualified for the 1,500-meter final in impressive fashion by outrunning defending Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop in the semifinals, putting him firmly in the medal conversation ahead of Tuesday's race.

Now it looks like he won't be able to compete at all. The report does mention one caveat, however: If Makhloufi can get medical reasoning from a doctor to explain his poor performance was physical and not an example of simply not trying, he could get his spot back.

The world feed of the race showed him favoring his leg after deciding to stop, according to LetsRun.com. If he's going to challenge the decision handed down, it would probably be on the grounds of a leg injury of some sort.

Otherwise, his medal dreams will be brought to an inauspicious end. Olympic and sport officials have not been afraid to come down heavily on athletes suspected of not giving a complete effort for whatever reason, so it's a surprise Makhloufi didn't take notice.

The lack of Olympic spirit first became major news last week when badminton teams were accused of throwing matches in order to improve their draw. Eight players were banned from the event as officials tried to put an end to the acts.

Makhloufi actually has two 800-meter gold medals to his credit, one from the 2011 All-Africa Games and another from the 2012 African Championships, so it's not clear why he wouldn't even try to qualify unless he wanted to focus purely on the 1,500 or was truly injured.

Either way, he must now choose between fighting for his Olympic life or accepting the punishment. With just one day before the 1,500-meter final, he must act quickly if he plans on getting reinstated in time for the biggest race of his life.

If he's found to have nothing wrong with him, the IAAF will have made the correct decision.