Chinese runner He Jie’s victory in the Beijing Half Marathon is being investigated after a suspicious finish where African runners appeared to slow down to let him win. Video footage showed the African runners making gestures for He to move ahead just meters from the finish line. He won the race in 1:03:44, with the African trio finishing just one second behind. Some Chinese internet users called for an investigation into the race, citing the importance of fairness in sports.
Although He claimed the $5,500 first prize and received applause from the African runners, he appeared less enthusiastic about his win. He, who has broken China’s marathon record twice in the past two years, admitted to not being in his best competitive state after the race. Race organizers and the Chinese Athletics Association acknowledged receiving feedback and stated that it will be further processed. Xstep, the sports company that sponsors He and the race, stated that the situation is being investigated by multiple parties and that further information will be communicated soon.
Critics noted that the finish of the race looked suspicious and lacked sportsmanship. Sports analyst Mark Dreyer commented that it was a bad look, as the African runners did not engage in a traditional sportsmanlike finish. He Jie, who is considered one of China’s most promising long-distance runners, is ranked 77th in the world in men’s marathon by World Athletics and is expected to lead Asian runners in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dreyer emphasized that He does not need charity and is an elite runner in his own right.
The controversy surrounding He Jie’s victory in the Beijing Half Marathon has sparked discussions on social media platforms like Weibo, where users have called for fairness in competition. Some users demanded an investigation into the race to ensure that sporting spirit and fairness are upheld. Race organizers and the Chinese Athletics Association have acknowledged the feedback and stated that it will be processed further. Multiple parties are reportedly involved in the investigation to determine the legitimacy of the race finish.
The situation involving He Jie’s victory has raised questions about the integrity of the Beijing Half Marathon and the conduct of the African runners who appeared to slow down to let him win. While He’s victory has been called into question, his status as an elite runner and record-breaker in China’s long-distance running scene remains intact. The investigation into the race is ongoing, and further information is expected to be communicated by the race organizers and Xstep, the sponsor of the event. He continues to be a prominent figure in Chinese long-distance running and is expected to represent Asia in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
