While track and field events are thrilling in their own right, sometimes the finishing line can become a stage for bigger drama. The 2011 Diamond League was under the spotlight after a fiasco broke out between two French runners at the end of the men’s 1500m race. Two Olympic medalists engaged in an exchange of furious blows, that was attributed to a “misunderstanding”, and shocked the audience and the fans watching from afar alike.

Altercations between athletes on international stages aren’t something exactly new. However, this particular incident sparked outrage for its intensity and the track and field apex body also had to step in to demand an explanation of what went down at the end of the 2011 event.

Track and field stars entangled in serious punch-out

In a recent social media post on X (previously known as Twitter), Owen M resurfaced the decade-old video, showing the frantic situation at the Herculis Monaco Diamond League. The short video clip shows the 2008 Olympic medal winners Mekhissi Benabbad and Mehdi Baala going at each other without restraint before the officials step in to separate the duo. Benabbad can be seen landing multiple punches on Baala after the end of the men’s 1500m event. The caption of the post reads, “POV: Your playing boxing on Wii Sports“, indicating the collective amusement that took over the community at the bizarre sight.

The post shares an animated GIF by James Rhodes that accurately depicts the baffling incident with a clip of Chuck Norris. At the end of the race, Baala may have ticked off his national colleague with a headbutt, evoking a series of massive punches from Benabbad.

While the clip can come off as uncalled for, one of the involved track and field sought to set the records straight after the incident, as it looked like things were verging on getting blown out of proportion.

Olympic medalist sheds light on the fiasco, with the apex body involved

Later, Mehdi told the journalists that a misunderstanding between the two was the root of the incident. According to him, he “went to comfort him (Mekhissi Benabbad) after the race as he looked to be in trouble“. However, Mekhissi, who finished the race in eleventh place was in no mood. Mehdi claimed that his French teammate reminded him that he would say hello if he wanted to, and the haut exchange of words quickly escalated with the latter being exasperated for having finished the race behind Baala.

Read more: Track and Field Athletes Take a Dig on World Athletics for Dropping Sudden Change in the Sport

The incident sparked widespread controversy and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) demanded an official report on the matter, and Baala had to apologize for his behavior. The result of the fight led to both athletes being denied the appearance money, along with being fined an additional €1,500. Both Baala and Benabbad were directed to perform 50 hours of community service.