Lamecha Girma hospitalized after horror fall, but life not in danger
The Ethiopian runner Lamecha Girma, who was stretchered off the track during the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final, has been described as “in good form” after a visit from members of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee.
At the moment of the final wrap-up of the last lap, as the defending silver medalist in the event was racing towards the podium, his foot struck the obstacle on the opposite line. He tipped to the ground, hitting his head violently on the track’s tartan surface. Girma remained lying on the ground as the other athletes completed the race and avoided him. He was placed in a neck brace and stretchered off by medical personnel. According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Girma was initially taken to a medical room at the Stade de France. He eventually regained consciousness and was able to speak a few minutes later. He was then transported to a hospital for further attention.
On social media, Eabisa Negese, an Ethiopian journalist who accompanied Team Ethiopia, posted a photo of Lamecha Girma at the Pitié Salpêtrière hospital where he was taken. The athlete appears conscious, and Eabisa Negese wrote in another post: “His life is not in danger, but he will need some time to recover.” His coach Teshome Kebede also said, “Lamecha Girma is in good condition.”
Gold medallist El Bakkali offered his thoughts to his opponent following the race. “We regret that one of the athletes fell in this steeplechase final. The athlete from Ethiopia,” he said. “It is unfortunate that it happened. There was respect in the competition among the athletes.”
Silver medallist in this race, American Kenneth Rooks, reflected on the event in a press conference. “I didn’t know how bad the fall was; I didn’t even know who had fallen until I finished the race,” he said.
A statement from Paris 2024 organisers said: “Following his fall in the 3,000m steeplechase, Lamecha Girma received immediate care from the on-site medical teams. Our thoughts are with him and we are sending him our very best wishes for a swift recovery. Paris 2024 is in close contact with the Ethiopian NOC to stay updated on his condition,” according to the Guardian.
Ethiopian Olympic champion Meseret Defar, who was in Paris, reacted by saying, “That fall was horrific, absolutely brutal! He appeared to hit the back of his head. As he is undergoing assessment, we will provide updates in the coming days.” Meseret added, “The way he was running, he would have won the gold. This is heartbreaking for him and the country. I know all the preparation he did for this day. I felt devastated.”
Source: Ethiopian Observer
