Olympic champion Cole Hocker disqualified from men’s 1,500m in Tokyo

The reigning Olympic champion in the men’s 1,500m event, American Cole Hocker, has been denied a spot in the world championship final for a track rule violation.

According to World Athletics officials, Hocker violated World Athletics rule (TR 17.12), obstructing and impeding German runner Robert Farken in the final 50 metres of the second 1,500m semi-final, causing Farken to lose momentum and fall out of the six automatic qualifying spots.

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Hocker found himself boxed in with 100 metres to go, and instead of making a move to the outside, he made a shove to hold the inside lane and give himself space to secure a spot. Farken was visibly annoyed with Hocker post-race, confronting him before the two runners reached the broadcast area.

Farken, who ended up 10th, was awarded a final spot on Hocker’s disqualification. South Africa’s Tshepo Tshite, who initially finished seventh, has also been awarded an automatic spot. Team USA appealed Hocker’s disqualification, but a World Athletics jury rejected the appeal and upheld the decision of the referee, meaning that Hocker will not advance to the final.

With Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen not advancing out of the heats, Hocker was a heavy favourite to win a medal, especially with him being the defending Olympic champion.

Canada’s Foster Malleck was in the same semi-final, and did not advance after taking a fall on the second lap. Athletics Canada submitted a protest for Malleck’s fall, but a World Athletics referee deemed it a racing incident, no obstruction.

The men’s 1,500m final will run on Wednesday night in Tokyo at 10:20 p.m. (9:20 a.m. ET).

See here for full results from the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

Canadian Running’s coverage of the 2025 World Athletics Championships is brought to you by ASICS Canada.