Olympic speedskater takes blade to face, stretchered off in frightening moment
Speedskater Kamila Sellier was injured during a race at the Milan Cortina Olympics when another competitor's blade struck her near the eye.
During the women's 1,500 meters event at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Polish speedskater Kamila Sellier suffered a significant injury when she was struck in the face by the blade of American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold. The incident occurred on the short track as both athletes fell and collided with the wall, with Sellier remaining motionless on the ice until medical personnel arrived. The scene was alarming as Sellier was quickly attended to and later transported on a stretcher.
After the incident, Polish officials reported that Sellier's eye was not severely damaged, and she received stitches at the event before being transferred to a hospital for additional evaluation. On social media, Sellier reassured her fans with a selfie that concealed her injury, indicating she was recovering well and feeling fine despite the frightening episode.
This incident underscores the inherent risks of speedskating, particularly in short track events where close proximity and high speeds can lead to dangerous collisions. As the Olympics progress, athletes must balance the thrill of competition with their safety, making this incident a poignant reminder of the physical toll of the sport as well as the resilience required to compete at high levels.