Lamecha Girma suffered a serious fall. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

Serious fall: All clear for athlete Girma

Following the serious fall of steeplechase runner Lamecha Girma at the Olympic Games in Paris, the Ethiopian Athletics Association has given the all-clear.

August 08, 2024

From: dpa

The 23-year-old is doing well and has not suffered any injuries to his head or legs, the association said in response to an inquiry this morning. Girma fell in the final of the 3.000-meter steeplechase around 200 meters from the finish and remained motionless on the ground.

The world record holder got caught on his back leg at the third-to-last obstacle at full speed and crashed forward onto the track. Helpers ran over gesticulating and took care of Girma. After a few minutes of treatment, he was taken out of the Stade de France to encouraging cheers from the spectators. A neck brace was visible on Girma's neck.

Lamecha Girma is doing well considering the circumstances. © APA/afp / BEN STANSALL

According to the Ethiopian association, he was taken to a hospital, where CT scans did not reveal any serious injuries. "We wish our hero a quick and full recovery," it said.

Moroccan wins
His competitors delivered a thrilling finish. Gold went to Soufiane El Bakkali. The Moroccan won in 8:06,05 minutes ahead of the surprisingly brisk American Kenneth Rooks, who was 36 hundredths of a second slower. Third place went to Abraham Kibiwot from Kenya. The German trio was eliminated in the preliminary round.