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 point out 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 outcome was criticised by some Chinese language social media customers.
A spokesperson on the Beijing Sports activities Bureau advised AFP they had been investigating the incident, including: “We’ll announce the outcomes to the general public as soon as they’re accessible.”
Xstep, a Chinese language sports activities model who sponsored the occasion and have a contract with He, advised Chinese language state-owned The Paper, exterior: “The scenario continues to be being confirmed and verified by a number of events. Additional info will probably be communicated as quickly as potential.”
He, 25, received marathon gold on the 2023 Asian Video games in Hangzhou and is his nation’s report 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 presently being carried out by the related native authorities.
“The integrity of our sport is the very best precedence at World Athletics, whereas this investigation is ongoing we’re unable to offer additional remark.”
Customers of Chinese language social media web site Weibo have posted in regards to 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 well known occasion, this actually pushes sportsmanship to the bottom in disgrace.”