Harshest rule in athletics rears its head as British sprinter red-carded for false start
PARIS: The harshest rule in athletics reared its head twice in the space of 60 minutes at the Olympic Games on Saturday night (AEST).
Jeremiah Azu of Great Britain was disqualified for a false start in round one of the men's 100m dash at the Stade de France.
An official walked onto the track and held a red card in front of his face, drawing a collective groan from the Paris crowd.
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Azu spent the next few minutes arguing with officials, but his fate had been decided.
Another sprinter, Canadian Aaron Brown, also had his 100m campaign ended by a false start in a later heat.
Brown also argued with officials, but to no avail.
Aaron Brown and Jeremiah Azu. Nine
Neither Azu nor Brown were permitted to race under protest, which can be allowed if officials deem a technological malfunction had taken place.
"Honestly, I reacted to a sound. It's a shame, the crowd is so excited," Azu said.
"I don't know why they wouldn't let me run under protest, I'm not sure what rules are being used.
"... Any other race they allow you to run and then it is reviewed afterwards. I'm going to get back, get this appeal done as quickly as possible, so hopefully I can get back out here and get into the semi-final."
The British sprinter's appeal was declined.
US pair Kenneth Bednarek and Fred Kerley — the latter was the 2022 world champion in the event — recorded the fastest times of the heats, both posting 9.97.
The reigning 100m world champion, US megastar Noah Lyles, progressed with a time of 10.04 (-0.2), while the defending Olympic gold medallist, Italian Lamont Marcell Jacobs, advanced in 10.05 (-0.3).
Australians Rohan Browning and Josh Azzopardi were eliminated in the opening round.
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