Uganda’s Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai was stretchered off and taken to hospital after a heavy fall in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Chemutai had made a bright start, taking command of the race and setting a strong pace through the opening laps. She briefly lost ground after stumbling on a barrier midway but recovered to stay in contention, dropping to fourth.
With three laps to go, however, her race ended abruptly when she clipped another barrier and tumbled to the track in dramatic fashion. Medical teams rushed to her aid, attending to her on the track before transporting her to hospital for further assessment.
Her withdrawal changed the complexion of the race, clearing the way for Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, who powered to victory in 8:51.59. Defending champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain settled for silver, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew clinched bronze.
Chemutai’s condition remains under medical review, with Ugandan athletics officials yet to issue a statement on her recovery prospects.
