Mahiedine Mekhissi crowned European champion in the 3000m steeple on August 9, 2018 in Berlin

Mahiedine Mekhissi has forfeited the final of the 5000m European Athletics Championships scheduled for Saturday evening in Berlin, announced the French Federation (FFA).

The Frenchman, crowned European champion for the 5th time of his career Thursday on his favorite distance of the 3000 m steeplechase, had at first considered to double this distance with the 5000 m.