I guess it just doesn’t seem that big of a deal to me. would have won the race either way. Plus, as I said, they could have used the photo finish technology to determine the winner. Give each girl a small fine and stern warning. Also, publish a press release that says the next athletes to do this will get DSQ’d. I’ve seen people in multiple sports get slaps on the wrists for way worse rule breaks.
Also, from an Endurance athletes point-of-view. These races are taxing. It’s nice to have someone to celebrate with at the end. Yes, could have finished and then embraced each other. Instead they choose to celebrate a shared achievement. I’ve seen distance runners and cyclists do this all the time. There is huge comradeship amongst endurance athletes, especially amongst teammates, because generally there the only ones around to support you. Endurance sports to draw many spectators until the elite level, so it’s understandable to me for someone to want to share a victory with someone the most likely train with quite often.
There are much worse things to worry about in sports than two athletes sharing an athletic achievement. I think their finish shows class.
I don't want to hear this match fixing crap from users either. Don’t act like Dutch, Croatian, and Indian athletes haven’t ever “fixed” results themselves.