There were others, though, who expressed sympathy for Makhloufi while the matter remained unresolved, saying he should have the right to withdraw from the 800 even if he were not injured.

In the 800, in all likelihood, he would have faced David Rudisha of Kenya, the world-record holder in 1 minute 41.01 seconds and a heavy Olympic favorite. Makhloufi’s best time (1:43.88) is more than two seconds slower.

In the 1,500, Makhloufi’s chances for gold seem greater. In his semifinal heat Sunday, he surged and defeated the reigning Olympic champion, Asbel Kiprop of Kenya. This year, Makhloufi has lowered his personal best by more than two seconds, to 3:30.80 from 3:32.94.

“In a lot of cases, these guys are professionals; they’re making their living at this,” said Bill Mallon, an Olympic historian from the United States and a former professional golfer. “They do, in general, what’s going to in the long run make them the most money. If he can do better in the 1,500 and win a gold or another medal, his stock goes up quite a bit on the circuit.”

Ato Boldon of Trinidad and Tobago, who won bronze medals at 100 and 200 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Games and another bronze at 200 at the 2000 Sydney Games, said he was surprised that such an expulsion rule existed for athletes in multiple events.

“Anything that maximizes your chances to win a medal for your country, you should be able to do,” Boldon said. “If I’m in the 100 and 200, and if I think I have no chance in the 100 and should keep a full tank of gas for the 200, I didn’t harm anybody by not qualifying. I didn’t keep somebody out of the next round.”

This was a crucial distinction several track athletes made between Makhloufi and the expelled badminton players from South Korea, China and Indonesia: Makhloufi’s withdrawal from the 800 affected only himself, not other competitors, as badminton did.