World record holder Lamecha Girma motionless after sickening fall during Olympics steeplechase final

Ethiopian superstar Lamecha Girma was taken to hospital after a sickening fall during the 3000m steeplechase final on Thursday morning (AEST).

Girma, who holds the world record in the event, looked on track for an elusive Olympic gold when he made his move on the back straight during the final lap.

But as the 23-year-old went over the third-last hurdle, his leg clipped the top and he went tumbling over, landing hard on his back and head.

He was left motionless on the ground as competitors were forced to jump and dodge him in scary scenes.

Moroccon Soufiane El Bakkali was able to avoid the carnage to successfully defend his title and secure the gold in a time of 8:06.05 ahead of American Kenneth Rooks and Kenyan Abraham Kibiwot.

But there were immediate concerns for Girma, who was receiving medical attention from officials.

“He almost went cartwheeling as he went down. It was a hard, hard crash,” one commentator on the world feed said.

Another added: “Right this is the moment, and they pushed each other. Girma and El Bakkali pushed each other and I think, I think Girma lost consciousness there. I think Girma was knocked out when he went down.”

Girma was fitted with a neck brace before being taken from the track on a stretcher.

He was then reportedly taken to hospital, according to French media outlet L’Equipe.

“Following his fall in the 3000m 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,” Olympics organisers said in a statement.

Coach Teshome Kebede later said, “Lamecha Girma is in good condition.”

It was a shattering blow for Girma, who won silver in Tokyo, and appeared destined to go one better in Paris.

He smashed the 19-year-old world record by over one second last year with a time of 7:52.11.

Gold medallist El Bakkali, who became the first man to win back-to-back 3000m steeplechase golds since 1932, was concerned for his rival after 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 Rooks was also worried.

“I didn’t know who fell until after the race,” he said.

“I will keep him in my prayers.”