Beijing half-marathon organizers investigating whether competitors let Chinese runner win

April 15, 2024 Benjamin Hughes

Authorities have opened an investigation after video from the finish line at a the Beijing half-marathon raised questions about whether other athletes let a Chinese runner win the race.

A now-viral video shows Kenyan runners Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat and Ethiopian runner Dejene Hailu running in a pack with Chinese runner Jie He, 25. At one point, the runner closest to He appears to wave him over, and He cross their path. They stick in a pack until the very end, when He beats the rest by a mere second.

He received the the first place medal, while the three other runners tied for second place, BBC Sport reports. Social media users in China criticized the results of the race, prompting officials to open an investigation.

Half-marathon in Beijing — Chinese runner He Jie, Ethiopian Dejene Hailu Bikila and Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat take part in a half-marathon in Beijing, China April 14, 2024.

China Stringer Network via Reuters

The Beijing Sports Bureau said it is investigating and will announce the results once they are available, AFP reported. CBS News has reached out to the bureau for a statement and is awaiting response.

The Paper that the situation is “still being confirmed and verified by multiple parties.”

Caitlin O’Kane

Caitlin O’Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces “The Uplift,” CBS News’ streaming show that focuses on good news.

Source: cbsnews.com