The Olympic final over 3,000 meters steeplechase was overshadowed by a serious fall.
Co-favorite Lamecha Girma from Ethiopia fell at the third-to-last obstacle around 200 meters from the finish and remained motionless on the ground. The 23-year-old got caught on his back leg at full speed and crashed forward onto the track.
Helpers ran over gesticulating and took care of the world record holder. After a few minutes of treatment, he was taken out of the Stade de France to encouraging cheers from the spectators.
Girma’s neck was seen with a neck brace. While Girma was lying on the ground, the competitors delivered a thrilling finish.
Gold went to Soufiane El Bakkali. The Moroccan won in 8:06.05 minutes ahead of the surprisingly brisk American Kenneth Rooks, who was 36 hundredths of a second slower. Third place went to Abraham Kibiwot from Kenya. The German trio was eliminated in the preliminary round.
Source: www.sport.de
