Chinese runner He Jie\u2019s victory in Sunday in the Beijing Half Marathon is facing a probe after his win was called into question by Chinese internet users because a trio of African runners appeared to deliberately slow down to let him win. <\/p>\n
A video clip of the finish to the race shows Kenya\u2019s Willy Mnangat turn toward He and gesture him to move ahead as the four men run neck and neck just meters from the finish line. <\/p>\n
Former 5km world record-holder Robert Keter, also of Kenya, then appears to wave at He to overtake the pack while signaling for his compatriot and Ethiopia\u2019s Dejene Hailu to hang back. <\/p>\n
The Chinese runner crossed the finish line in 1:03:44 to claim the $5,500 first prize, with the African trio just one second behind in joint-second place. <\/p>\n
The video clip shows the African runners applauding He\u2019s win and patting him on the back, though the Asian Games marathon champion appears less enthused despite winning his first ever competitive half marathon. <\/p>\n
He, 25, who has broken China\u2019s marathon record twice in the past two years, told reporters after the race that he \u201cwas not in my best competitive state\u201d \u2014 but he did not address the controversial finish. <\/p>\n
Some Chinese internet users called for an investigation into the race, while others demanded action from organizers. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe so-called \u2018ways of the world\u2019 should not taint the fairness of competition in sports. Fairness is always at the core of sporting spirit,\u201d said one user on social platform Weibo. <\/p>\n
Another popular comment said: \u201cI support an investigation, and fair play is vital,\u201d with the user adding they hoped authorities \u201ccan give a clear explanation to maintain fairness of competition and respect athletes\u2019 efforts.\u201d <\/p>\n
Race organizers the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau and Chinese Athletics Association acknowledged \u201cfeedback has been received\u201d and \u201cwill be processed further,\u201d according to Chinese state media. <\/p>\n
Chinese sports company Xstep, which sponsors both He and the Beijing Half Marathon, told Chinese state-run outlet The Paper that the situation is \u201cbeing investigated and verified by multiple parties.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cFurther information will be communicated as soon as possible,\u201d Xstep said in a statement to the outlet. <\/p>\n
Some observers agreed the finish to the race seemed unusual. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a bad look, however you slice it,\u201d said sports analyst Mark Dreyer, author of \u201cSporting Superpower: An Insider\u2019s View on China\u2019s Quest to Be the Best.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s one thing for four runners running right at the end to potentially hold hands or cross the line together in a show of sportsmanship. That\u2019s not what we saw. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a sprint finish for anyone other than He Jie. It doesn\u2019t take a genius or running expert to figure that out.\u201d <\/p>\n
He, who hails from northwest China\u2019s Ningxia region, is considered one of the country\u2019s most promising long-distance runners. He is ranked 77th in the world in men\u2019s marathon by World Athletics and is expected to lead the way for Asian runners in the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe Jie is elite,\u201d Dreyer said. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t need charity like this.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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