Organisers of the Beijing half marathon are investigating allegations that three African athletes intentionally allowed China’s star runner He Jie to win Sunday’s race.
Footage appeared, exterior to indicate Kenya’s Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat and Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu pointing to the road and slowing down earlier than waving He previous.
He, 25, completed one second forward of the trio, who tied for second place.
The consequence was criticised by some Chinese language social media customers.
A spokesperson on the Beijing Sports activities Bureau informed AFP they had been investigating the incident, including: “We are going to announce the outcomes to the general public as soon as they’re obtainable.”
Xstep, a Chinese language sports activities model who sponsored the occasion and have a contract with He, informed Chinese language state-owned The Paper, exterior: “The state of affairs remains to be being confirmed and verified by a number of events. Additional info can be communicated as quickly as potential.”
He, 25, received marathon gold on the 2023 Asian Video games in Hangzhou and is his nation’s document holder within the occasion.
Not one of the runners have commented on the incident.
A press release from World Athletics to BBC Sport mentioned: “We’re conscious of the footage circulating on-line from the Beijing half marathon this weekend and perceive an investigation is at present being performed by the related native authorities.
“The integrity of our sport is the best precedence at World Athletics, whereas this investigation is ongoing we’re unable to supply additional remark.”
Customers of Chinese language social media website Weibo have posted concerning the race, with a remark saying “that is little question probably the most embarrassing title of He Jie’s profession” receiving greater than 1,000 likes.
One other submit added: “With such a significant organiser and such a widely known occasion, this actually pushes sportsmanship to the bottom in disgrace.”
