Comments on the Beijing half-marathon have gone viral following accusations that three African athletes allowed China’s He Jie to win in a controversial finish.
Footage showing Kenyan runners Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, along with Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu, seemingly slowing down to let He Jie pass them at the finish line, has sparked an investigation by the event organisers.
Mnangat spoke to BBC Sport Africa, explaining that their role was to act as pacemakers for He Jie, to help him break the Chinese half-marathon record.
Despite their efforts, He Jie finished the race with a time of 1:03:44, missing the record but still coming in ahead of the three, who tied for second place.
The Beijing Sports Bureau and Xstep, the event’s sponsor, have both acknowledged the controversy and are in the process of confirming the details surrounding the race’s finish.
He Jie, who won marathon gold at the 2023 Asian Games and holds China’s record for the full marathon, has not yet achieved the target time he aimed for in this race.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: The four runners involved in the scandal.
Image source: X
