Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma was transported off the track on a stretcher during Wednesday’s men’s 3,000-meter Olympic steeplechase final after falling and striking the back of his head on the final lap.
The specifics of Girma’s injury were unclear immediately following the event, which concluded Wednesday’s competition at Stade de France, located on the outskirts of Paris.
A world record holder in the steeplechase and a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, Girma was positioned within a crowded group as the runners began the last of 7.5 laps. He had just begun to distance himself from the pack in an attempt to catch the then-leader Kenneth Rooks of the USA.
After moving into second place by overtaking five runners, Girma tripped over one of the final hurdles. He fell face-first onto the track, hitting the back of his head. His body went limp as trailing competitors jumped over him while the race continued.
Moments later, the race concluded, with Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali securing the gold medal, Rooks winning silver, and Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot claiming bronze. Girma remained on the track as other runners finished the race.
NBC’s live broadcast refrained from covering Girma’s injury in detail beyond the initial fall for several minutes, until announcer Leigh Diffey addressed his situation while concluding the broadcast. “Let’s spare a thought for Lamecha Girma,” Diffey stated. “He went down hard. And the medical team is tending to him.”
Images from the stadium depicted medical personnel stabilizing Girma’s head and neck with a brace before transporting him on a stretcher.
Romain Donneux, a reporter from French sports publication L’Équipe, shared after the event that Girma was conscious and able to communicate while receiving treatment in the stadium’s medical room. Additionally, the CBC’s Devin Heroux released a statement from a Paris Olympics spokesperson confirming that Girma was undergoing treatment and assessment at a hospital.
“Following his fall in the 3000m steeplechase, Lamecha Girma received immediate care from the on-site medical teams,” the spokesperson’s statement read. “Our thoughts are with him, and we are sending our very best wishes for a swift recovery.
Paris 2024 is in close contact with the Ethiopian NOC to stay updated on his condition.”
Further information regarding Girma’s health status has not yet been disclosed.
