Algerian athlete Taoufik Makhloufi has been forced out of the Olympic Games after failing to try his best in the 800m heats this morning.
The 24-year-old, who came first in his 1500m semi-final race recording a 3:42.24, left the track in the early stages of the 800m heat in the Olympic Stadium with one eye on the 1500m final.
The Algerian originally planned to drop out of the heat today. However, his team failed to withdraw the athlete before Sunday's deadline.
A statement from the IAAF said: "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."
It is understood that Makhloufi could be allowed back into contention for the 1500m final if he can provide a doctor's note for leaving the track 100m in to the heat.
