Paris Olympics: Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma Hospitalized Following Fall in 3000m Steeplechase

Ethiopian athlete Lamecha Girma was hospitalized after a nasty fall in the 3000m steeplechase final on Thursday, August 8 2024  morning.

The world record holder was on track for a medal when he clipped a hurdle during the final lap, falling heavily on his back and head.

On-site medics at the Stade de France attended to the 23-year-old Girma, who lay motionless after the fall. He was fitted with a neck brace and taken from the track on a stretcher.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, Girma was conscious and speaking when he arrived at the hospital.

The race continued, with defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco winning the gold medal. “We regret that one of the athletes fell in this steeplechase final.

The athlete from Ethiopia,” El Bakkali said. “It is unfortunate that it happened. There was respect in the competition among the athletes.”

Paris 2024 organizers released a statement saying, “Following his fall in the 3,000m steeplechase, Lamecha Girma received immediate care from the on-site medical teams.