First for athletics as entire field in 400m heat is disqualified

Every athlete in the third 400m heat in Birmingham, including two medal hopefuls, was disqualified in a first for athletics.

Published : Mar 02, 2018 20:09 IST

Athletes during an event at the IAAF World Indoor Championships.
Athletes during an event at the IAAF World Indoor Championships.
lightbox-info

Athletes during an event at the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

History was made at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham on Friday when every athlete in a single race was disqualified.

The disqualification of the five athletes in the third heat of the men's 400 metres represented a first in athletics, according to IAAF statistician Mark Butler.

Qatar's Abdalelah Haroun, who claimed the silver medal in Portland two years ago and won bronze in last year's outdoor Worlds in London, was shown a red card after jumping the start gun by some distance.

Read: Russian athletes shine at World Indoor Championships

Following a restart, world leader Bralon Taplin won the heat and was followed across the line by Austris Karpinskis, seemingly earning them a place in the next round.

However, Taplin and Karpinskis, as well as the other two runners Alonzo Russell and Steven Gayle, had their times wiped off for prematurely stepping out of their lanes.

The competitors will be able to appeal the decision.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment