Soufiane El Bakkali was the defending Olympic champion and winner of the 2022 and 2023 World Championships in the event.

On all recent podiums with these two had been Kenyans, primarily 2016 champion and Olympic record holder Conseslus Kipruto, who did not return.

The Kenyan team sent two new entrants, Amos Serem and Simon Koech, along with 2023 bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwot to try to restore their historical dominance.

With just under three laps to go, Simon Koech put Kenya in front, but the difference to the back of the pack was very little, at times three rows four abreast across the track.

Girma sprinted ahead of El Bakkali and Kibiwot going into the next barrier, 200 metres before the finish.

Going over in full flight, Girma hooked his trail leg on the barrier, flipped over, and fell, hitting the back of his head on the ground.

The tall world record holder's body laid motionless across two lanes of the track at the base of the important barrier before the final water jump.

El Bakkali pulled away to win the gold medal, and though Kibiwot gained ground, Rooks was able to hold him off for silver.