Athlete Lamecha Girma (Ethiopia) is the leading candidate for the 2024 Olympic gold medal in the men's 3,000m steeplechase. He has always been in the top of his competition.

However, the incident happened when Lamecha Girma was only about 300m from the finish line. After a mistake in the obstacle course, the Ethiopian athlete got his knee caught in the high fence, causing him to fall to the ground.

The fall was so hard, in a somersaulting position, that the athlete was unable to stand up. The medical team immediately entered the field, braced his neck, and carried Lamecha Girmara out on a stretcher.

According to L'Equipe, the Ethiopian athlete was unconscious during the collision. He later regained consciousness and was able to say a few words before being taken to a hospital in Paris for a medical examination.

Lamecha Girma's health condition is said to be better now. However, he needs to stay in hospital for a few more days.

Lamecha Girma's fall near the finish line was a very unfortunate incident. It caused him to lose the Olympic gold medal. Remember, the Ethiopian athlete currently holds the world record in the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 7 minutes 52 seconds 11. This achievement was achieved at the Diamond League in Paris in 2023.

Previously, Lamecha Girma won silver medals in this event at the 2019 World Championships (Doha), 2022 World Championships (Eugene) and 2023 World Championships (Budapest).

Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali won the gold medal in this event with a time of 8 minutes 06 seconds 05. The silver medal was won by American Kenneth Rooks. Kenya's Abraham Kibiwot won the bronze medal.

Soufiane El Bakkali is the second person to successfully defend the Olympic gold medal in the 3,000m steeplechase. Previously, only Volmari Iso-Hollo of Finland did so at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.