World Athletics Championships: Filip Ingebrigtsen escapes disqualification after punching fellow 1500m runner
The Norwegian appeared to hit Teddese Lemi in the back as the pair jostled for position during the race
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.Norway’s Filip Ingebrigtsen has escaped disqualification despite appearing to punch fellow runner Teddese Lemi of Ethiopia during his 1500 metres heat at the 2019 World Athletics Championships.
Ingebrigtsen was not punished despite video showing a punch in the back that caused Lemi to topple over.
His younger brother Jakob progressed without incident and is among the favourites for the Worlds title.
The incident occurred as Ingebrigtsen looked to move past Lemi, who was holding the inside of the track.
The pair jostle, with the Norwegian twice leaning his shoulder into Lemi.
He then brings back a clinched left first and moves his arm forward to strike the Ethiopian.
A subsequent tangle of legs causes an off-balance Lemi to topple over.
Lemi appears to have been progressed to the semi-finals, but Ingebrigtsen has not yet been punished.
“That’s a punch,” BBC athletics commentator and former middle distance runner Steve Cram commented.
“If the track referee hasn’t seen that, I’m amazed. This is nothing against Filip Ingebrigtsen, this could be anybody, but I’m amazed he hasn’t been disqualified thus far.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments