Sebastian Coe believes that the false-start rule should not be changed despite a number of high-profile athletes being disqualified under it.
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is the latest to breach the rule which results in immediate disqualification after one false start.
Despite calls for the IAAF to review this rule, Lord Coe is adamant that it should not be changed.
“You pay your money to see a world boxing title fight in Vegas and the British fighter might get knocked out in the first round,” the Daily Mail quotes Coe as saying.
“The start is not separate from the race; it's part of the race. It's like a knockout punch in boxing. You could go to a World Cup final, having paid good money, and Messi gets sent off in the first 10 minutes. It happens.”
Meanwhile, British hopeful Jessica Ennis is heading for silver while Andy Turner was awarded bronze after Daryon Robles was stripped of gold and disqualified in the 110m hurdles.
Danielle Joynson
