Breaking News: Lamecha Girma’s condition revealed after fall in Olympics steeplechase The 23-year-old, who is the 3,000m steeplechase world record holder, was stretched off of the track… See More…

The Ethiopian athlete Lamecha Girma regained consciousness and was able to speak after a sickening fall in the Olympic 3,000m

steeplechase final in Paris on Wednesday nightThe world record-holder hit his head on the track after clipping his knee on a barrier on the final lap of the race.

He then lay motionless before being put in a neck brace and taken off on a stretcher by medics.

The 23-year-old, who was a silver medallist at the Tokyo Games and the last two world championships, was then taken to hospital for an assessment.

His team later confirmed to L’Equipe that he was conscious and able to talk.

Speaking on Thursday, the International Olympic Committee said Girma’s condition was improving after the incident.

We understand he is in good shape and he is OK, he is recovering,” read an IOC statement.