A sports influencer who participated in a marathon in China has been banned for life after it was revealed that he used a fake bib.

According to Vietnamese media outlet VNExpress, Liao Xingxing, a sports influencer on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, completed the 2025 National Half Marathon Championships held in Renshou County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province, China on the 23rd of last month. However, after the race, it was revealed through Douyin that Liao was wearing the same bib number as another participant, leading to the discovery that he had used a fake bib.

The video that spread at the time showed Liao wearing a bib number 'C4567' in a pink top and blue pants. As a sports influencer with 15,000 followers, the controversy grew as suspicions arose that Liao was running with a fake bib.

Liao claimed that he received the bib from a follower and did not know it was a replica. According to Chinese media VCT News, he said in a live broadcast, "I think I was tricked by an anti-fan."

However, the marathon organizer's investigation revealed that Liao had printed the bib himself and participated in the race. As a result, the organizer banned Liao from participating in the race for life. They also reported the incident to the Chinese Athletics Federation (CAF), which can impose additional sanctions.

As public criticism grew, Liao deleted all videos and comments related to the marathon from his social media.

Meanwhile, this marathon is China's first platinum label race recognized by the World Athletics Federation and a race designated as a national championship by the CAF. The competition to participate in the marathon was fierce, with more than 150,000 applicants, but only 25,000 were eligible to participate.

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