Bolt’s false start prompts review of rule

| 29/08/2011

(Telegraph): Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s minister of sport, led the clamour for change, slamming the ‘one strike and out’ regulation which prompted the downfall of her country’s national icon as “crazy”. Even some prominent voices within the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) were left conceding privately that the idea of billions watching the instant disqualification of the sport’s one greatest superstar felt like a case of athletics once again lancing itself in the foot. IAAFofficials will be discussing the matter at their Council meeting, although that would be too late for the rule to be changed before the end of the championships.

Not only Bolt but two top British athletes, Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu (in the 400m heats) and Dwain Chambers (in the 100m semi finals) fell foul of the ‘sudden death’ regulation on the opening weekend.

"It’s a crazy rule," said sports minister Grange, who had flown to Korea to watch the race. “The message has been sent that they need to revisit this ruling."

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