The core of the Olympic spirit is "faster, higher, stronger." However, in the men's race of the 2024 Beijing Half Marathon on April 14, an astonishing scene unfolded: during the final sprint of the last few hundred meters, three African can be seen pointing to the finish line and apparently waving Chinese runner He Jie out in front, while appearing to slow down.

He, the 2023 Asian Games marathon gold medallist, won by one second.
Many were stunned, assuming that the three foreign athletes were pacemakers, commonly known as "rabbits." However, they were official participants and evidently possessed abilities superior to the 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds finish time. Since all were athletes competing for victory, why this unspoken agreement, contradicting the spirit of "faster, higher, stronger"?

In fact, the final sprint scene revealed the secret: He Jie and the three foreign runners were all wearing the same brand of gear. As an endorsed athlete of that brand, He Jie had recently won a record-breaking victory at the Wuxi Marathon. Another achievement at the Beijing Half Marathon would undoubtedly enhance the brand's visibility. 

In recent years, marathon running has rapidly gained popularity and development in China, benefiting many cities and rural areas, quickly becoming popular. However, if a sport is manipulated behind closed doors, with the winner predetermined, it becomes a deception to the audience, losing its original charm and value.

The scene at the Beijing Half Marathon sprint has crossed the bottom line of competitive sports and deeply hurt the hearts of marathon enthusiasts and spectators. The authorities should investigate the manipulators behind the scenes, and reveal the truth to the public.