The Beijing Half Marathon organizers have initiated a probe into accusations of race manipulation involving Ethiopian and Kenyan participants.
Video footage circulating on social media shows Ethiopian athlete Dejene Hailu alongside Kenyan runners Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat appearing to deliberately allow Chinese athlete He Jie to win the Sunday half marathon race.
The African athletes appeared to slow their pace as they approached the finish line, signaling for He to pass them. He, who won by a mere second, was then congratulated by the trio after crossing the finish line.
Criticism from Chinese social media users has labeled He’s victory as “embarrassing” and unsportsmanlike, sparking speculation about potential race manipulation.
“We are investigating and will announce the results to the public once they are available,” a representative of the Beijing Sports Bureau told AFP news agency on Monday.
The marathon’s organiser also confirmed the investigation had been launched, AFP reported.
Neither He, Hailu, Keter or Mnangat have commented on the investigations.
