Chinese runner star He Jie has been stripped of his gold medal from the Beijing half marathon that ended in confusing controversy.
He was running in a group with Robert Keter, Willy Mnangat and Dejene Hailu as the quartet approached the finish line.
The Chinese athlete, who holds the national marathon record, crossed the line first in a time of 1:03:44.
But controversy followed when footage emerged of the closing stages, where He's closest challengers appeared to be pushing him to the line.
He Jie has been stripped of his gold medal
GETTY
He was initially lagging behind the three others before they seemingly slowed up and urged the 25-year-old to race ahead.
The result was widely criticised by some Chinese social media users with Mnangat later claiming the other trio ran as pacemakers.
“I was not there to compete,” Mnangat was quoted as saying.
“My job was to set the pace and help the guy win but unfortunately he did not achieve the target, which was to break the national record.”
He added: "I don't know why they put my name on my bib/chest number instead of labelling it as a pacemaker.
"My job was to set the pace and help the guy win but unfortunately, he did not achieve the target, which was to break the national record."
The Beijing Sports Bureau announced they were investigating the result of the race and they've now disqualified all four runners involved in the incident.
The top three have now been ordered to return their medals as well as award money.
He Jie won the men's marathon at last year's Asian Games
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“Today the 2024 Beijing Half Marathon Organising Committee issued a decision on the investigation and handling of the men’s race results,” the statement read.
It added: “The trophies, medals and bonuses will be recovered.
"We deeply and sincerely apologise to the world and to every part of society, that we did not discover and correct the mistakes in time at this race."
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The incident led to widespread backlash
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Zhong’ao Lupao Sports Management Co are the main organisers of the Beijing half marathon and is now losing its right to host the event.
Long distance running has gained popularity in China in recent years, but it has also led to increased allegations of cheating in the country.
A Shenzhen half marathon in 2018 saw 258 participants caught out cheating with some wearing fake bibs and taking shortcuts.