Makwala sets up 200m final showdown after IAAF u-turn
Mqondisi Dube | Thursday August 10, 2017 08:53
Makwala had been barred from competing on the argument that he was suffering from food poisoning, despite that no tests were conducted.
But late yesterday, IAAF allowed Makwala to run his 200m heat, with 20.53 or faster, set as the cut off time.
Instead a furious Makwala did 20.20 to move to the semi final before booking his place in tonight’s final after shaving off 0.06secs from the initial time.
He now faces among others, South African Wayde van Niekerk in a hugely anticipated race.
“Following your request, we are delighted to confirm that the IAAF technical delegates have reviewed your case and will allow Isaac Makwala to run his 200m heat this evening, and if the qualifying time is met, he will be entered into the 200m semi final this evening.
“The decision has taken into consideration that his quarantine period was over at 2pm and was subject to being cleared to compete following an examination by the IAAF medical delegation.
Isaac Makwala’s heat will be at 18.40. He will be in lane 7 and will have to record a time of 20.53 or faster to advance,” IAAF’s Olivier Gers wrote to the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Thari Mooketsi, following an appeal.
Despite the 200m ‘consolation’ Makwala insists, he must be allowed to run the 400m.
“I am still running with a broken heart. I hope IAAF will still allow me to run the 400m. I still want my 400m, that is my (speciality) race,” Makwala told reporters in London after the race.