Oussama El Bouchayby of D2 Angelo State upset Hoppel a couple days ago in the Texas Relays 800 to win with 1:45.31. Certainly a really impressive run by Bouchayby to out kick Hoppel and a couple good Texas runners.
What interested me, however, is the final 100 meters. After getting past Hoppel, Bouchayby IMMEDIATELY cuts into lane 1 to cut off Hoppel in the final ~30 meters. He cuts in almost close enough to have clipped Hoppel, if he wasn't careful. There was no contact, so there was no violation... But it simply doesn't make sense to do this. Beyond the fact it increases the distance run to the finish line, it also could put you at risk of impeding the opposing runner. If he had clipped Hoppel, I am certain there would have been a disqualification.
To me, it almost lowers the value of this scalp. You have to cut into his lane to feel safe he won't edge you out at the line? It was clear Hoppel didn't have any gears left, so there really wasn't any point to impede him anyway. Just run the straight line.
Taking the d1 indoor 800 into consideration, this is another example of why it literally makes NO SENSE to swing out OR in to cut someone off, especially the 800. There is no benefit great enough to risk impeding another runner. If you want to swing out to lane 2 or 3 to get around someone, fine. But intentionally cutting into someone's path is low, unsportsmanlike, and a desperation tactic.