Men's steeplechase final: Ethiopian world record holder takes hard fall, carried away on a stretcher

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. 

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.