Tamgho gets six-month ban for training incident

French triple jump star Teddy Tamgho has been banned for six months, with a further six suspended, over an altercation at a training camp in October, the French Athletics Federation (FFA) announced.

The suspension runs until May 18, meaning that Tamgho, who is the world and European indoor champion, will be able to compete at the London Olympics.

He had already decided to skip the indoor season, which takes place during the first half of the year.

In addition, Tamgho has been given a three-year probationary period and ordered to pay a €1,500 fine. He will also have to undertake 50 hours of community service.

“I made a regrettable mistake,” said Tamgho, before the FFA’s decision was announced.

“I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. Whatever the decision is, I will respect it and I’ll accept the punishment.”

Tamgho later said that he was “relieved” to learn that he would not miss the Olympics.

The indoor world record holder (17.92m) appeared before the FFA’s disciplinary committee over his role in an altercation with an amateur athlete and two other people during a training session in the Var department on France’s south-east coast.

The three other people involved all filed complaints for assault.

Tamgho, 22, was in the areato pursue his recovery from a right ankle injury that prevented him from competing in the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in August and September.

The FFA’s disciplinary committee said the incident had “tarnished the image of the athletics federation”.