Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad sure knows how to put on a show. The French runner nearly nabbed his third consecutive gold medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase of the European Athletics Championships, but excessive showboating got in the way.
Before crossing the finish line, he ripped off his jersey in a show of premature celebration, a move that detractors were quick to recognize as grounds for disqualification. After protest from the Spanish team, the International Association of Athletics Federations disqualified his win.
JURY OF APPEAL DECISION: Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad is disqualified from 1st place in the men's 3000m steeplechase after Spain protest.— Zurich 2014 (@Euro_Champs) August 14, 2014