Botswana runner stripped of title for celebrating with shooting gesture toward opponent

Last week, the 26-year-old Masalela delivered a powerful final-lap surge at the Copernicus Cup to edge out France’s Azeddine Habz. Masalela finished first with a time of 3 minutes and 32.55 seconds, which would have set a new Botswana national indoor record and marked the third-fastest indoor 1,500m time in the world this year.

However, his victory was short-lived. Officials disqualified Masalela just minutes later because he directed a finger-gun gesture at Habz in the final meters of the race.

Referees determined that the gesture violated World Athletics Codes, which prohibit improper or unsportsmanlike conduct. Consequently, Masalela’s time and the new national record were not recognized. The title and prize money were instead awarded to Habz, who crossed the line a fraction of a second later in 3 minutes and 32.56 seconds.

Following the disqualification, reports indicate that Masalela’s coach, Caster Semenya, lodged a protest that was ultimately rejected. The initial complaint to review the conduct was reportedly filed by Habz’s team, according to Canadian Running Magazine.

The ruling immediately sparked a fierce debate among fans and athletes online regarding sportsmanship. Former world 100 m champion Fred Kerley criticized the officials, arguing that such strict rules diminish the sport’s appeal. Former Canadian Olympic sprinter Anson Henry shared the same view, stating that these rules are killing the sport.

Meanwhile, others supported the organizers. Renowned athletics commentator Geoff Wightman defended the decision, arguing that athletes can enjoy the winning moment, but they must refrain from disrespecting their opponents with inappropriate gestures.

Critics of the disqualification pointed out that several athletes before Masalela had used a “shooting” celebration without facing penalties. In 2022, American sprinter Noah Lyles made a similar gesture after defeating Erriyon Knighton in the men’s 200 m final at the U.S. Track and Field Championships and was not penalized. In 2023, British distance runner Charles Hicks used the exact same gesture after beating Kenyan Victor Kiprop in the 10,000 m at the Stanford Invitational without facing a disqualification.

According to Canadian Running MagazineWorld Athletics relies on a rotating pool of over 500 internationally certified officials annually. Because specific gestures are not explicitly defined in the rulebook, interpretations of improper conduct can vary significantly from one officiating team to the next.