PARIS, France — Ethiopia's Lamecha Girma exited the Olympics purple track on a stretcher after taking a rough fall during the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase final.
While jumping the third to last barrier, the 23-year-old athlete crashed onto the track and remained motionless for a couple minutes.
Medics rushed to aid the Ethiopian runner and he was quickly stretchered away with a neck brace.
On Thursday, the athlete's team said in an Instagram post that Girma did not "suffer from any major head injury" following a full medical examination.
"He will undergo further scans to check his leg before being allowed to leave the hospital," Elite Running Team said in the post. "Thank you to the french medical team and to all of you for your support ❤️"
Girma, who is the world record holder in the event, had an early lead during the race along with his fellow Ethiopian teammates.
Things took a turn with just two laps to go, when the Toyko silver medalist appeared to trip over the hurdle.
Until his fall, Girma appeared to be in contention for a medal in the final.
Who won the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase final?
Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali defended his title in men’s steeplechase, finishing in 8 minutes, 6.05 seconds for a .36-second win over America’s Kenneth Rooks.
Rooks had the lead heading into the homestretch and was looking to pull off a massive upset, but El Bakkali overtook him.
Rooks still beat his personal best by almost 9 seconds to capture the second silver over three Olympics in the event for America.
Evan Jager finished second in 2016.