Algerian runner Taoufik Makhloufi reinstated to London Olympics

Algerian distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi was reinstated to the 1,500-meter final in the London Olympics after being expelled amid accusations he "didn't try hard enough" in the 800 meters.

Makhloufi, 24, had already qualified for Tuesday's 1,500m final, where he was a likely medal contender, when he stopped running in the first lap of his 800m heat, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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Reports indicated the Algerian team forgot to pull Makhloufi out of the 800 meters, and he had to run the event Monday despite wanting to save his energy for the 1,500, according to the Times.

The race referee expelled him from the games, declaring that Makhloufi was guilty of "failure to compete honestly with bona fide effort."

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But the Algerian federation insisted he had a knee problem and that organizers knew about it, The Associated Press reported.

Following an assessment by a games medical officer, Makhloufi was reinstated and cleared to run in Tuesday's 1,500-meter final.

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