Ethiopian Runner Lamecha Girma Injured in Steeplechase Final

In a shocking turn of events at the Olympics, Lamecha Girma, a 23-year-old runner from Ethiopia, had to leave the track on a stretcher after a serious fall during the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final.

As he attempted to jump the third-to-last hurdle, Girma stumbled and fell hard onto the track, remaining motionless for several minutes. Medics quickly rushed to his aid, and he was placed on a backboard and taken away with a neck brace.

Before his fall, Girma was in the lead and looking strong, keeping pace with his fellow Ethiopian teammates. The race took a dramatic turn with just two laps remaining when he appeared to clip the barrier.

At the same time, Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali defended his title, finishing the race in 8 minutes and 6.05 seconds, narrowly beating America’s Kenneth Rooks, who managed to set a personal record in the process.