Lamecha Girma Hospitalized After Steeplechase Accident
- Ethiopian Olympian Lamecha Girma is recovering in a Paris hospital after falling and hitting his head during a steeplechase event.
- He is conscious and under medical care following the incident.
- This accident raises concerns about athlete safety in competitive sports.
Ethiopian Olympic runner Lamecha Girma is awake and recovering following a frightening incident during the 3000-meter men's steeplechase. As he approached the final straightaway, Girma clipped his leg while attempting to clear a barrier, resulting in a severe fall that left him unconscious on the track. Medics quickly attended to him, ensuring that other competitors avoided a collision. The incident was broadcast live on NBC Peacock, capturing the alarming moment. Girma, a former Olympic silver medalist, required neck immobilization before being transported to a hospital in Paris. Fortunately, he regained consciousness and is reported to be in "good condition," according to his coach. The severity of the fall was underscored by Peacock announcer Leigh Diffey, who remarked that in his 40 years of commentary, he had never witnessed such a heavy fall in the steeplechase. Currently, Girma holds the world record for the fastest time in the 3000-meter men's steeplechase and is a three-time world champion. Following the incident, social media was flooded with messages of support for Girma, including a heartfelt note from former NBA player Pau Gasol, who wished him strength and a speedy recovery. In the race, Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali claimed the gold medal, while the silver went to the USA's Kenneth Rooks, who narrowly edged out Kenya's Abraham Kibiwot by just 0.06 seconds.