Botswana sprinter Isaac Makwala has had a memorable World Athletics Championships, but for all the wrong reasons.
The 30-year-old was not allowed compete in Tuesday night's 400-metres final due to illness. He was expected to be one of Wayde van Niekerk's rivals for the gold, before the IAAF blocked him from competing.
Makwala was taken ill on Monday, and missed the 200-metres heats. It looks like after his unusual situation gained worldwide attention on Tuesday night. He will be allowed compete in the 200-metres two-days later than his rivals.
Breaking - Isaac Makwala will run an individual time trial tonight in a bid to get into the 200m semi finals
— Natalie Pirks (@Natpirks) August 9, 2017
The semi-finals take place this evening at 8.55pm, ahead of tomorrow night's final. Makwala was scheduled to run from Lane 7 in Monday evening's fifth heat.
The Botswanan will run this evening by himself at 6.40pm in a bid to earn a time quick enough for the semi-finals. If he runs in 20.53 seconds or under, Makwala will more than likely be placed in Lane 1, and will join one of the three semi-finals later this evening.
While the situation is becoming an even greater farce in London, it does set a precedent for future Championships.
Will athletes be able to say they are sick, in a bid to race days later? The athletics world will be watching Makwala's race tonight with interest.
