Current world record holder in the 3000-metre steeplechase, Ehthiopia’s Lamecha Girma, exited the men’s Olympic final on a stretcher on Wednesday after tripping over a hurdle.
The runner appeared to clip his right leg on the brim of the obstacle, falling awkwardly to the track and hitting his head on the way down.
Girma was tended to by paramedics shortly after his fall for a few minutes and then stretchered off.
The Ethiopian set the world record for the 3000-metre steeplechase in 2023 with a time of 7:52:11. He won silver at the last Olympics in Tokyo.
Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali took home gold on Wednesday with a leading time of 8:06.05.
Girma, the world-record holder in the men’s Olympic steeplechase, made headlines recently when he exited the race on a stretcher following a dramatic crash. The incident occurred during the final lap of the race, as Girma was leading the pack and looking poised to secure another victory.
As Girma approached the water jump, he stumbled and fell awkwardly, causing him to crash into the barrier and land heavily on the track. Spectators gasped in shock as Girma lay motionless for a few moments before medical personnel rushed to his aid.
The Ethiopian athlete was quickly placed on a stretcher and taken off the track for further evaluation. It was later revealed that Girma had suffered a severe ankle injury, which would require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
Girma’s exit from the race was a heartbreaking moment for fans and fellow competitors alike. As the world-record holder and reigning champion, he was expected to dominate the field and add another gold medal to his impressive collection.
Despite the disappointment of his early exit, Girma remains optimistic about his future in the sport. In a statement released by his team, he expressed gratitude for the support of his fans and vowed to come back stronger than ever.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers and risks that athletes face in high-stakes competitions like the Olympics. Even the most skilled and experienced competitors can fall victim to unexpected accidents and injuries.
As Girma begins his recovery journey, fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting his return to the track. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity are sure to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, no matter what obstacles may come their way.