SportsTrack and Field

Premature Celebration Costs Runner Victory And A Lot Of Money (VIDEO)

WATCH: Premature Celebration Costs Runner A Victory And A Lot Of Money
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Blog Editor, The Huffington Post

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Here's yet another egregious example of why athletes shouldn't celebrate until the event or play is over. During the final stretch of the 800-meter men's race in Shanghai on Sunday, Algerian runner Taoufik Makhloufi seemed to think he had the victory wrapped up. Ahead of the pack by a stride or two, the 26-year-old stuck out his arms (and tongue) as he approached the finish line.

If Makhloufi had just glanced over his right shoulder, then he would have seen Kenyan runner Robert Biwott gaining on him. Biwott eventually passed him at the very end of the race and won. Biwott finished with a time of 1:44.69 while Makhloufi clocked in at 1:44.73.

According to letsrun.com, $10,000 was on the line.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Start at 1:15 mark

(H/T to Deadspin)

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