Picture this: it’s the final lap of the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Paris Olympics, and Lamecha Girma, the Ethiopian world record-holder, is right in the thick of it. The crowd’s roaring, adrenaline’s through the roof, and then—disaster strikes the field. With just over 200 meters to go, Girma approaches the last barrier on the back straight. But instead of clearing it cleanly, something goes horribly wrong. He clips it, stumbles, and crashes hard to the track.

For a few terrifying moments, he doesn’t move. Medics rush over as the rest of the race unfolds, oblivious to what’s happening behind them. Soufiane El Bakkali powers through to grab gold, and Kenneth Rooks snags silver, but all eyes quickly shift back to Girma, lying motionless on the track. It’s a chilling sight. The medics place his head in a brace, carefully stretcher him off, and whisk him away to a nearby hospital, leaving everyone holding their breath.

The good news came later—thankfully, no major head injuries. Girma’s management reassured fans that he was conscious and responding well, though they were still checking for potential leg injuries. But man, that fall was brutal! It wasn’t just a physical blow; it sidelined him completely. And now, more than four months later, he’s still not back on track. Fans had hoped 2025 would mark his comeback, but it seems this track and field star is not returning anytime soon. And to add to the misery, Girma recently revealed that his recovery has hit another roadblock.

Why is Lamecha Girma skipping the indoor track and field season this year?

As we approach the highly anticipated 2025 indoor season in March, many expect Lamecha Girma to make his return to the track. But, unfortunately, that’s not happening. According to Chris Chavez, who launched CITIUS MAG in 2016, the Ethiopian star and indoor 3000m world record-holder won’t be competing this indoor track and field season.

In an update from Girma’s management team, Chavez shared: “He was very lucky to not pick up any physical injury or concussion with the fall in Paris. After a full medical check-up at the hospital post-fall, we were all very relieved there were no internal or external injuries! It was always the plan last year to be all-in for gold in Paris and to shut the season down post-Olympics.”

Girma hasn’t competed again after the Olympics, initially opting to take 2-3 weeks off before easing back into training. On a positive note, he recently got married and is now focusing on preparing for the outdoor season. At only 24, he has already smashed the steeplechase world record with that insane 7:52.11 in Paris last year. Moreover, he broke Daniel Komen’s legendary indoor 3000m record with 7:23.81 in Lievin.

But here’s the thing! While he’s racked up world records and silver medals, he’s still chasing that first major championship gold. He’s come so close so many times. Runner-up at the Worlds in 2019, 2022, and 2023, plus the Olympics in 2021 and the World Indoors in 2022. Oh, and let’s not sleep on his 3:29.51 in the 1500m—this guy is the real deal.

Sure, fans might miss seeing him tear up the indoor season, but honestly? It looks like Girma is playing it smart. He’s taking his time, resetting, and getting ready to bring the heat in track and field when it really matters. With everything he’s already achieved, that championship gold feels like it’s just around. The outdoor season is going to be exciting—don’t blink!