Lamecha Girma, the world record holder in the 3,000m steeplechase, made a dramatic fall during the Olympic final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, causing widespread concern among spectators and officials. As he battled for gold, the Ethiopian violently hit a barrier 200 metres from the finish line, sending him crashing to the ground. He was stretchered out of the stadium and immediately hospitalised. The next day, the IOC reassured the public that Girma was doing well.
This fall marked the race, which was ultimately won by Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali, who retained his Olympic title. The scene shook the Stade de France, where the crowd cheered as Girma was stretchered out. “We wish him a speedy recovery,” said Mark Adams, IOC spokesperson.
While the incident ended his hopes of a gold medal, the international sports community remains supportive, wishing Girma a speedy recovery and a quick return to the track. The Ethiopian Olympic Committee remains in touch with doctors to monitor his health. This unfortunate fall highlights the inherent dangers of high-level athletics and reminds us that athlete safety is paramount.
