During the quarterfinals of the 1500m short track speed skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Polish skater Kamila Cieler sustained a severe facial injury due to a collision with American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold and Italian skater Arianna Fontana. The incident occurred as the athletes fought for position, leading to a violent tumble on the ice. Cieler's injury was particularly grave, involving a blade that struck her under the eye, prompting immediate medical intervention and concern from spectators.

The race was halted promptly to attend to Cieler, with race organizers erecting a white barrier to shield the audience from the distressing scene. Cieler, despite the injuries and evident blood on the ice, signaled her reassurance to those present by giving a thumbs-up as she was transported off the track. Her determination, even in such a dire situation, drew both sympathy and admiration from the audience and fellow competitors.

Following the incident, officials disqualified Santos-Griswold from the race due to an illegal lane change that led to the collision, denying her a chance to advance further in the competition. This decision has sparked discussions about race safety and the inherent risks associated with high-speed contact sports like short track speed skating, particularly in the context of championship events like the Olympics.