Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia has reportedly regained consciousness following a serious fall during the men’s steeplechase event at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday afternoon.
The 23-year-old, who holds the world record in the 3,000m steeplechase, was carried off the track after losing consciousness amid the race, leaving many fans worried.
According to the French publication L’Equipe, Girma has since regained consciousness and was able to say a few words before being taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
The incident occurred when Girma stumbled over a hurdle and fell hard on his back and then his head.
While lying on his stomach, he remained still as other runners navigated around him.
Lamecha Girma, unconscious after tripping over a hurdle during the Steeplechase final
Girma lay motionless with eyes open and his left leg convulsing as medics rushed to him
From afar, alarming visuals of Girma’s fall showcased his convulsing left leg, and he was seen wearing a neck brace as he was lifted onto a stretcher.
‘After the accident in the 3,000m steeplechase, Lamecha Girma received urgent care from the medical teams on-site. We are all wishing him a speedy recovery,’ stated the Paris 2024 organizing committee.
The competition had set up for a thrilling contest as Soufiane El Bakkali lingered in the middle of the pack, preparing to make a decisive move with just 300m remaining, targeting Girma, who was gaining momentum.
However, the event took a dramatic turn when Girma fell, eliciting gasps from the audience.
Girma’s fall occurred during the last 200 meters at the Stade De France in Paris
Girma (second from left) just before his alarming fall during the 3,000m steeplechase
Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali ultimately claimed victory ahead of America’s Kenneth Rooks
El Bakkali chased down Kenneth Rooks in the final stretch, but Rooks managed to achieve a personal best time, securing a surprising silver medal.
El Bakkali celebrated with outstretched arms as he crossed the finish line, marking himself as the first back-to-back winner since Finland’s Volmari Iso-Hollo in 1932 and 1936, while medical personnel continued to attend to Girma.
The audience at the Stade de France gave a small round of applause as Girma was carried on a stretcher through a tunnel.
‘I truly was unaware of how serious the fall was – I didn’t find out until after the race who had fallen – so I’ll keep him in my prayers,’ stated Rooks.
