At less than two minutes, the 800 meters is not an especially long race. That didn't keep Algerian star Taoufik Makhloufi from cruising the last few strides at yesterday's Diamond League competition in Shanghai, waving his arms and wagging his tongue in victory. That premature celebration cost him the race—and the $10,000 grand prize.


Makhloufi's the reigning 1500m Olympic champion, so you'd think he'd know better. But his posing allowed Kenyan Robert Biwott to win the race. Take it away, LetsRun:

Makhloufi was too busy celebrating and directing his gaze at the finishing clock on the inside of the track to see that Biwott had gone by him for the win. After the race, he continued to celebrate as raised his arms and posed for cameras.


He certainly was acting like the winner and was even given the winner's flowers as a result by a meet volunteer. Eventually, a meet official came over and pointed at the stadium results to show Makhloufi that he was not the winner and took his flowers.

Ouch!

h/t Markup157