During the women's 1500 meters race at the Winter Olympics, a significant incident occurred when Polish skater K. Sellier fell alongside Italian skater Ariana Fontana and American Kristen Santos-Griswold. The fall was caused by Santos-Griswold's illegal crossing of the line, leading to a chaotic scene where the race was immediately halted. Emergency responders covered Sellier with a large white cloth to shield the audience from witnessing the medical attention she received, while volunteers worked to clean up the substantial blood left on the ice.

Sellier was subsequently carried out on a stretcher but managed to give a thumbs-up, indicating she was doing okay despite the gravity of the situation. Fortunately, the Polish delegation later reported that Sellier did not sustain any serious injuries; her eye was unharmed, and she received stitches for a cut wound before being transported to the hospital. The incident overshadowed the competition and raised concerns about safety in high-stakes sporting events like the Olympics.

Ariana Fontana, involved in the same crash, also sustained minor injuries but remarkably continued competing, eventually finishing in fifth place. The race initially aimed for historical significance for Fontana, as a medal would have allowed her to tie with Norway's Marit Bjørgen as the most decorated Winter Olympian. However, the dangerous incident has sparked discussions regarding the safety protocols during high-intensity competitions, highlighting the need for more stringent regulations to protect athletes during events that push competitive limits.