Uganda’s Leonard Chemutai faced heartbreak in the Men’s 3000m Steeplechase final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, after an unfortunate fall saw him finishing last with a time of 8:20.03.
Chemutai, who had shown promise of securing a medal, reached the final after an impressive performance on Monday where he finished second in Heat One, clocking his season’s best time of 8:18.19.
In Wednesday’s final, Chemutai started cautiously, taking a back position in the opening laps as the Ethiopians set a blistering pace.
However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, he surged ahead and took the lead inside the 2000m mark.
Disaster struck just before the final lap when Chemutai fell, dashing his hopes of a podium finish.
Despite the setback, he bravely got back on his feet and completed the race.
The race was not short on drama, as World Record Holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia also fell after jumping a barrier on the back straight.
Girma was later stretchered away by medics, raising concerns over his condition.
Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali emerged victorious, powering to the gold medal with a sprint finish, crossing the line in 8:06.05.
Kenneth Rooks of the United States claimed the silver medal in 8:06.41, while Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot secured the bronze, finishing just behind in 8:06.47.
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