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Doha 2019: 'Punched' Ethiopian athlete reinstated in competition

By Mutala Yakubu
'Punched' Ethiopian athlete reinstated in competition
'Punched' Ethiopian athlete reinstated in competition
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An Ethiopian athlete who fell after being impeded by another runner in a 1500m heat at the World Athletics Championships has been awarded a place in the semi-final despite not qualifying.

As the runners jostled for position during the race on Thursday, Teddese Lemi was punched in the back by Norway's Filip Ingebrigtsen, according to BBC commentator Steve Cram.

A video of the incident appears to show the Norwegian shoving Lemi with a clenched fist.

READ ALSO: Doha 2019: Uganda's Nakaayi upsets the field to win women's 800m

The Ethiopian then fell over.

He got up to complete the race and finished in 11th place. The first six in the heat automatically qualified for the next round but championship officials have also allowed Lemi to go through.

Source: BBC