World Athletics Championships: Hocker Disqualified, British Hopes High on Day 5
The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo continue, with controversy surrounding Cole Hocker's disqualification in the 1500m and British athletes aiming for medals on Wednesday.
Hocker's Disqualification Shakes Up 1500m
Cole Hocker, the Olympic champion, has been disqualified from the 1500m after being judged to have illegally pushed past Robert Farken of Germany during the semi-finals. The incident, deemed a violation of "jostling" rules (TR17.1.2[J]), has left Hocker "extremely disappointed."
Hocker and his team dispute the ruling. His agents, Flynn Sports, criticized the "amateur officials" involved. The United States Track & Field team's appeal was unsuccessful. Hocker will now focus on the 5000m, with semi-finals offering him a chance at redemption on Friday.
"Extremely disappointed not to get the chance to defned my 1500m title this year... Looking forward to the first round of the 5k this Friday." - Cole Hocker
Robert Farken advanced to the final due to Hocker's disqualification. Tshepo Tshite of South Africa also secured a spot.
Commentator and former 1500m world champion Steve Cram agreed with the disqualification, stating that Hocker "panicked."
Wednesday's Events and British Medal Hopes
Wednesday marks day five of the championships. Great Britain has a strong chance of winning their first medal with defending champion Josh Kerr, along with 2022 champion Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley, competing in the 1500m final.
Medals are also up for grabs in the women's pole vault, men's long jump, and the women's 3,000m steeplechase.
Several other British athletes will be in action, including Daryll Neita, Amy Hunt, and Dina Asher-Smith in the women's 200m heats. Zharnel Hughes and Toby Harries will compete in the men's equivalent.
In the 400m hurdles semi-finals, Tyri Donovan and Alastair Chalmers will represent Great Britain, while Emily Newnham will compete in the women's race. Elise Thorner will be running in the women's 3,000m steeplechase medal race.
