Olympic champion Cole Hocker has broken his silence after being disqualified from the 1500m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Hocker was in contention to win gold at the World Athletics Championships following his heroics at last summer's Olympics in Paris.
The American beat Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Team GB's Josh Kerr to claim gold at the 2024 Olympics.
But he won't be able to compete for the gold medal at this year's World Athletics Championships after being disqualified in Monday's 1500m semi-final.
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Hocker was adjudged to have illegally pushed past Germany's Robert Farken during the semi-finals on Monday, falling foul over 'jostling' rules.
Farken was subsequently advanced to the final, with South Africa's Tshepo Tshite pushed into the top six to take the final spot ahead of Wednesday's 1500m final.
Flynn Sports Management, who look after Hocker, reacted angrily to the decision after the United States Track & Field team's appeal failing.
Under an Instagram post from the 24-year-old's training group Team Sova, they wrote: "We want to be a professional sport but are directed by amateur officials who can’t see the value of the world seeing the best 1500m race in the world."
Before learning of his disqualification, Hocker defended his actions.
"Obviously I’m not trying to affect anyone else’s race. I was just trying to get to the line in that top six position," he told Citrus Mag. "Obviously, like, everyone else was. I would have liked to have it a little bit cleaner, but, yeah, it was what it was."
Hocker has now weighed in on the situation in the wake of his disqualification.
He expressed his 'disappointment' at not being able to defend his title.
On Instagram, he wrote: "Extremely disappointed not to get the chance to defend my 1500m title this year. As always, championships are unpredictable, but there’s no time to feel sorry for myself.
"Looking forward to the first round of the 5k this Friday."
As Hocker alluded to in his post, he is set to compete in the 5000m, which starts with the semi-finals on Friday.
Topics: Athletics
Nasir Jabbar