BANGKOK (AP) — Organizers have revoked He Jie’s first place in the Beijing Half Marathon last weekend after an investigation confirmed that three other runners had slowed down to let him win the race.
All four runners were disqualified and had to return their medals and award money.
Chinese online users had shared the video from the final moment s of Sunday’s race out of suspicion that it had been rigged. The footage showed three African runners letting He, China’s top long-distance runner, move ahead of them shortly before they were about to reach the finish line.
The three runners deliberately reduced their pace, according to a statement from a committee set up to investigate the race.
The special committee said that four runners had originally been hired as pacemakers by a sponsor but that the main organizers of the race had not known this. One of the pacemakers didn’t finish the race.
Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in Alaska
Shen Addresses via Video Link at Fourth SCO Women's Forum
ACWF Holds Conference to Study, Implement Spirit of 20th CPC National Congress
China, Thailand to cooperate in lunar exploration missions
Meghan Markle models 'love like a mother' t
Leaders of Women's Institutions, Organizations of Lancang
National Campaign on Caring for Children in Winter Vacation Launched
Nicola Peltz cements the end of 'feud' with 'beautiful' mother
State Councilor Stresses Stable Employment, Supporting Women's Entrepreneurship