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Kenyan Athlete Who Let Chinese Runner Win Beijing Half Marathon Responds: "He Is My Friend"

 

Kenyan athlete Willy Mnangat has responded following an investigation into allegations that he intentionally allowed the Chinese runner to win the Beijing Half Marathon. Willy Mnangat, Robert Keter, He Jie and Dejene Bikila at Beijing Half Marathon (l). He Jie celebrates at Smart New World Qiantang River Green Belt. Mnangat informed the investigating team that his role in the race was not to compete but rather to serve as a pacemaker for Chinese athlete He Jie, who emerged as the victor.  What was Willy Mnangat's response? According to BBC, he clarified to the organisers that he, along with two other individuals, including one who did not complete the race, were hired specifically to assist Jie in breaking the national record. "I was not there to compete. It was not a competitive race for me. 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," Mnangat responded. Mnangat questioned why his name was placed on the chest instead of being labelled as a pacemaker. "I don't know why they put my name on my bib/chest number instead of labelling it as a pacemaker." Immediately following the race, Mnangat explained that he deliberately let Jie win as a result of their longstanding friendship.  “He comes to Kenya and I was pacing for him in the Wuxi Marathon, so he is my friend, OK,” Mnangat said. Winning in a time of 1:03.44, Jie fell short of the record by one minute and 11 seconds, while Mnangat, Keter and Hailu tied for second place. The other two accused athletes are yet to respond to the allegations. How did Mnangat, Keter help He Jie win? As seen in a widely circulated video on social media platforms, Mnangat, Rober Keter, and Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu Bikila were observed intentionally allowing Jie to cross the finish line ahead of them. As they approached the finish line, the trio noticeably slowed down and gestured for Jie to pass them, securing the top position. The incident incited outrage among Kenyan citizens and sports enthusiasts, prompting marathon organizers to initiate investigations into the matter. 


by  Nancy Odindo 

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