Cole Hocker was disqualified from the 1500-meter semifinal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships for violating the "jostling" rule. During the final 50 meters of the race, Hocker made contact with German runner Robert Farken by pushing into him with his right arm and holding his arm across Farken's body as he tried to maneuver between Farken and another competitor. This contact disrupted Farken's race rhythm, causing him to fall behind and miss qualifying for the final. The German athletics federation appealed, and as a result, Farken was advanced to the final in Hocker's place. Team USA appealed on behalf of Hocker, but the appeal was denied. The disqualification was based on World Athletics rule TR17.1.2[J], which prohibits physical contact that results in an unfair advantage or injury to other athletes. Hocker expressed disappointment but indicated he was focusing on competing in the 5000 meters instead. Commentators agreed that while Hocker was trying to find a qualifying position, the move was considered a violation and that Hocker "panicked" in the final stretch.
