Christmas Tree Topper Star

PARIS -- Decathlon world-record holder Kevin Mayer of France was forced to withdraw from the Paris Diamond League meeting after crashing to the ground Sunday during the 110-meter hurdles race, less than three weeks before the Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Mayer, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in decathlon, tumbled after he crossed the eighth hurdle. He shouted in pain and remained on the ground for a long moment, holding his head in his hands. He managed to walk off the track, helped by a member of the medical team.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony is on July 26. The decathlon starts Aug. 2.