Horrific fall on last lap of the Olympic steeplechase final results in Ethiopian world record-holder being hospitalised in Paris

Lamecha Girma appears to have made a good recovery overnight after suffering a terrible fall in the closing stages of the Olympic 3000m steeplechase final.

The world record-holder hit the last barrier on the back straight on the final lap with just over 200m to go and crashed to the ground where he lay motionless for a few moments until medics rushed to his attention.

As Soufiane El Bakkali stormed to gold ahead of Kenneth Rooks with the leading athletes oblivious to Girmas condition the Ethiopians head was put in a brace as he was stretchered off.

There was widespread concern over the next hour or so until reports began to emerge that he was conscious and responding well to treatment in hospital.

Overnight his management agency released a statement, saying: Scary view last night in Paris. After a full medical examination during the night, it has been confirmed that Lamecha doesnt suffer from any major head injury. He will undergo further scans to check his leg before being allowed to leave the hospital. Thank you to the french medical team and to all of you for your support.

The 23-year-old set a world record for the steeplechase in Paris last year with 7:52.11 and also broke Daniel Komens long-standing world indoor 3000m record with 7:23.81, which was set in the north of France at Liévin.

In major championships he is still striving for his first gold, though, as he has finished runner-up at the world championships in 2019, 2022 and 2023, plus the Olympics in 2021 and World Indoor Championships in 2022. His world records and championship medals aside, he has run 3:29.51 for 1500m.

In a closely contested steeplechase barrier on Wednesday in the Stade de France he was well placed down the back straight on the final lap and appeared to surge into the hurdle to gain some momentum a common tactic with steeplechasers but misjudged his effort and after chopping his stride at the final moment one of his legs hit the barrier with his body then spinning around as it hit the track.