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.
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
China will not peak as forecasted by the 'China peak theory': FM spokesperson
Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to Forum on Civilization and Sinology
NetEase Inc renews game partnership with Blizzard
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
Xi to Attend SCO Summit via Video Link
Xi Meets Sogavare, Urging Enhanced China
Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to First High
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
Shanghai FTZ's Lingang new area welcomes first foreign bank
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
CPC Leadership Reviews Guidelines on Policies Supporting Construction of Xiong'an