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Chinese fitness influencer dropped by sponsor after riding a bicycle during the Berlin Marathon
Overview
Chinese fitness influencer Sun Yuanyuan, known as Abeeeer, has been dropped by her sponsor Brooks and disqualified from the Berlin Marathon after admitting she rode a bicycle during the race. An Instagram account exposing misleading race times published evidence showing Sun on a bike between the 35km and 40km marks. Sun apologised on social media for breaking the rules and taking a shortcut, acknowledging her actions were disrespectful to the fairness of the competition.
Key points
- Chinese fitness influencer Sun Yuanyuan was dropped by running shoe company Brooks after admitting she rode a bicycle during the Berlin Marathon.
- Evidence of Sun on a bicycle between the 35km and 40km marks was published on Instagram by an account monitoring inaccurate or misleading race times.
- Sun's finish time has been officially disqualified by the marathon organisers.
- Sun posted an apology on Chinese social media platform Rednote, admitting she broke the rules, took a shortcut, and deliberately concealed her actions.
- Brooks stated that it terminated its relationship with Sun because running should be grounded in integrity, fairness, and respect.