Athletics at the 1908 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metres
[1] It was the most controversial event of the London Games: the final resulted in the disqualification of American runner John Carpenter who was accused by the British officials of a manoeuvre that was legal under American rules (under which Carpenter normally competed) but prohibited by the British rules under which the race was run.As part of the disqualification of Carpenter, a second final race was ordered, with Halswelle to face the other two finalists again.These athletes, William Robbins and John Taylor, were both Americans, and they boycotted the re-run final to protest the judges' decision.The United States made its fourth appearance in the event, the only nation to compete in it at the first four Olympic Games.[4] Sebert started slow, but then lengthened his stride to pass Atlee and nearly catch Robbins, who held him off to win "by 3 yards.Badger therefore signalled to the judges to declare the race null and void: his decision led to a thirty-minute argument between British and American team members.After the judges ruled that Carpenter was disqualified and barred from starting in the re-run, Robbins and Taylor withdrew in disgust.Halswelle, now assured of the gold medal, won in the only walkover in Olympic track and field history.