Scary Moment as Steeplechase World Record Holder Stretchered Off After Fall

Girma, 23, appeared to be unresponsive in the following moments, and a medical team attended to him on the track. He was strapped to a stretcher and then taken out of the competition area.

According to the French newspaper L’Équipe, Girma was first taken to a medical room at the Stade de France. The outlet reports that he lost consciousness after the fall but was responsive and able to talk a few minutes later. He was then transported to a hospital to receive additional attention.

El Bakkali won the race in 8:06.05. Rooks, in his first Olympics, ran the race of his life to get the silver medal, crossing the line in a personal best of 8:06.41. Kibiwot was close behind for bronze in 8:06.47.

Girma owns the world record in the steeplechase—7:52.11, which he set last June—and was, along with El Bakkali, one of the pre-race favorites to win. He took silver at the Tokyo Games and is also the world record holder in the indoor 3,000 meters (7:23.81).

Wednesday morning at the track was also characterized by falls. Multiple runners hit the ground in the preliminary heats of the 5,000 meters, including U.S. medal hope Abdihamid Nur. Some athletes were granted spots in the final, but Nur ultimately was not.

Theo Kahler is the news editor for Runner’s World. He is a former all-conference collegiate runner who’s based in Easton, PA. Previously, he worked as the newsletters editor at Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics.