Marcel Hug Ruled Winner of 2016 Chicago Marathon Men's Wheelchair Race After Stunning Photo Finish

Marcel Hug, aka the “silver bullet,” has been ruled the winner of the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon men’s wheelchair race Sunday after an official review of a stunning photo finish. 

Hug, who beat out defending champion Kurt Fearnley, crossed the finish line with a lead of less than a second. Initially, results indicated Fearnley claimed victory, but after checking the tapes, race officials ruled Hug the winner. 

"It was a crazy finish," Hug said. "I never [had] that close finish ever. It was so close."

PHOTOS: The 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

It was the first close finish for Hug who started his racing season with a pair of victories in Boston and London, winning each race by just one second. Hug competed in his first Chicago Marathon last year, edging out 2014 champion Josh George for second place, also in a photo finish. He completed his 2015 season with a third place finish in New York behind Ernst Van Dyk and George.

Hug is a two-time Paralympian who took home four medals in the Rio Games. He is also the 2013 IPC World Championships Marathon gold medalist. 

Sunday's victory marks his first Chicago Marathon win.

"It was a great year, nearly perfect year," he said. "It could not be better."

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