According to organizers, the top three finishers in Sunday’s Beijing half marathon have been disqualified and stripped of their medals. This decision comes after an investigation into the controversial race ending that saw China’s He Jie emerge as the winner.
A state media report on Friday stated, “The 2024 Beijing Half Marathon Organizing Committee has made a decision regarding the investigation and resolution of the men’s race results.”
The report further mentioned that the trophies, medals, and bonuses awarded will be taken back.
The race concluded in a peculiar manner as Jie crossed the finish line first, with two runners from Kenya and one from Ethiopia seemingly intentionally allowing him to win.
Jie, who won gold in the 2023 Asian Games marathon, claimed victory by just one second as his competitors seemed to slow down and gestured for him to take the lead towards the end.
All four participants were “disciplined” and their outcomes were annulled, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
Earlier this week, the Chinese Athletics Association announced that they had discussed the matter and released a statement committing to enhancing the sport in the country.
AFP