Olympic race winner is disqualified
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE MEN'S 10,000 metres at the Olympic Games in Barcelona ended in controversy last night when the winner, Khalid Skah, was disqualified for receiving illegal assistance from another Moroccan runner. The gold medal was awarded instead to the runner-up, Richard Chelimo of Kenya, although an appeal by Skah will be heard this morning.
Skah and Chelimo lapped Hammou Boutayeb, Skah's countryman, three circuits from the finish. Boutayeb appeared to talk to Skah before accelerating and running in front of Chelimo, who claimed after the race: 'He tried to slow me down.'
As the three runners stayed together, the crowd howled in fury. At one point an official ran on to the track and attempted to pull Boutayeb away. Skah went on to beat Chelimo in the finishing straight, but after a victory lap during which he was loudly booed, Skah was disqualified. Athletics rules forbid competitors to receive assistance from a lapped runner.
Skah said the race jury had been pressured by the public protest into disqualifying him. He denied that there had been collusion between himself and Boutayeb. 'I did not cheat,' he said. 'I could not talk to Boutayeb. I was too tired.'
Colin Jackson, who had been one of the favourites to win the 110m hurdles, could finish only seventh in the final, three places behind another Briton, Tony Jarrett.
Olympic reports, pages 26-28
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments