Chinese runner dropped by sponsor after riding bike in marathon
Chinese fitness influencer Sun Yuanyuan has been dropped by her sponsor, Brooks, after admitting to using a bicycle during the Berlin Marathon. The incident was exposed by an online integrity group that analyzed her race splits and photographic evidence.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing role of digital sleuthing and community-led integrity units in policing professional and amateur sports ethics.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The influencer was seen riding a bike during the Berlin Marathon, which took place at the end of September
A Chinese fitness influencer has been dropped by her sponsor after she apologised for riding a bicycle during the Berlin marathon.
Sun Yuanyuan, known as Abeeeer on Chinese social media, had claimed a personal best during the event which was held in September.
But an Instagram page dedicated to monitoring inaccurate or misleading race times posted by influencers published a picture which appeared to show Sun on a bicycle between the 35km and and 40km marks.
Sun apologised and admitted to "breaking the rules". Brooks, the running shoe company, has ended its sponsorship deal with her and her finish time has been disqualified by the marathon organisers.
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