IAAF ‘disappointed’ by Bolt disqualification

Athletics’ governing body, the IAAF, said it was “disappointed” by the disqualification of Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt from the men’s 100m at the world championships on Sunday.

Bolt, the defending champion, Olympic gold medallist and world record holder, rocked off his blocks in horrendous fashion and knew immediately he had made the biggest error possible in the world of sprinting.

Under rules which state that athletes no longer have a second bite of the cherry in the event of one false start, the 25-year-old ripped off his singlet in disgust, and slowly retreated to the starting line, head in hands, to be steered off the track.

Bolt’s training partner Yohan Blake went on to win the restarted race. The IAAF took the unusual step of issuing a statement shortly after the race expressing disappointment at its outcome nd explaining the false start rule 162.7.

“The IAAF is, of course, disappointed that Usain Bolt false started in the final of the 100m,” it said.

“It is important to remember that a sport’s credibility depends on its rules and they must also be applied consistently and fairly for ALL athletes.”

Prior to the rule change, athletes had the right to make one false start and they were disqualified for a subsequent false start.

DAEGU, AFP.