Ethiopian World Record Holder Falls Hard, Stretchered Off in Men's Steeplechase Final

Medics rushed to attend the 23-year-old Ethiopian athlete after a hard fall during the steeplechase final.

PARIS, France — Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia had to be stretchered off after a dramatic fall during the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the Olympics. The incident occurred as Girma attempted to clear the third to last barrier, where he crashed onto the track and lay motionless for several tense minutes.

Medical personnel quickly intervened, securing the athlete with a neck brace before moving him from the track.

Girma, recognized globally as the world record holder in the event, had maintained an early lead alongside fellow Ethiopian runners. However, with only two laps remaining, the Tokyo silver medalist stumbled over a hurdle, drastically altering the race’s outcome.

Up until his fall, Girma was a strong contender for a podium finish.

Moroccan runner Soufiane El Bakkali ultimately claimed the gold, defending his title by completing the race in 8 minutes, 6.05 seconds, narrowly edging out the American, Kenneth Rooks, by .36 seconds. Rooks led approaching the final stretch but was overtaken by El Bakkali. Despite losing the lead, Rooks managed to set a personal best, winning his first silver in the event, adding to America’s history of success in the men’s steeplechase. Evan Jager previously secured second place for the U.S. in 2016.