A Runner Was Disqualified for His Controversial ‘Finger Guns’ Celebration. Was It Fair?
Runner's World
February 24, 2026
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Tshepiso Masalela, a middle-distance runner from Botswana, was disqualified after winning the 1500 meters at the World Indoor Tour Gold event in Toruń, Poland. Despite setting a new national indoor record with a time of 3:32.55, officials ruled his "finger guns" celebration as unsportsmanlike conduct under World Athletics’ Rule TR 7.1 for improper behavior. The disqualification nullified his record and awarded the victory to second-place finisher Azeddine Habz of France.
The incident sparked controversy within the track and field community, with some questioning the fairness of the ruling. Masalela’s celebration drew comparisons to American sprinter Noah Lyles, who has frequently used similar gestures without facing disqualification. However, unlike Lyles' races, which often feature more spaced-out lanes, mid-distance races like the 1500 meters involve closer competition, where physical contact can occur. Video replay showed Masalela’s gesture coming close enough to Habz that the French runner batted his hand away, potentially creating an impediment.
Critics argue that the ruling may reflect a bias toward American athletes, as seen with Lyles. Fred Kerley, the 2022 world champion in the 100 meters, criticized the officials on social media for being overly strict. The case raises broader questions about consistency and fairness in enforcing World Athletics rules across international competitions, particularly in races where physical proximity between competitors is common. For fitness enthusiasts and track fans, this highlights the importance of understanding how minor gestures can impact an athlete’s performance and reputation, as well as the potential for subjective interpretations of sportsmanship rules.
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Originally published on Runner's World on 2/24/2026