Beijing half marathon runners stripped of medals after controversial finish

BEIJING, Apr 19 (AFP): The top three in Sunday's Beijing half marathon have been stripped of their medals, organisers said, following an investigation into the finish that saw China's He Jie controversially win.
He crossed the line first in a bizarre finish after the Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, and Dejene Hailu from Ethiopia, seemed to deliberately allow him to win.
Footage of the conclusion to the race went viral.
"Today the 2024 Beijing Half Marathon Organising Committee issued a decision on the investigation and handling of the men's race results," a state media report said on Friday.
"The trophies, medals and bonuses will be recovered," it said.
The four runners had stuck together throughout the course of just over 13 miles (21 kilometres) around the streets of the Chinese capital.