Polish Speed Skater Provides Update After Terrifying Face Injury at Winter Olympics
Polish speed skater Kamila Sellier has shared a positive health update following a horrific crash during the women's 1,500-meter short track event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. The athlete was struck in the face by a skate blade in what has been described as one of the most frightening incidents of the Games.
The Terrifying Incident During Quarterfinal Heat
The accident occurred during the sixth quarterfinal heat on Friday when Sellier became entangled with Italian skater Ariana Fontana. As Sellier slipped to the ice, United States competitor Kristen Santos-Griswold's skate blade caught the Polish athlete directly in the face, narrowly missing her eye in what witnesses described as a terrifying moment.
Medical personnel rushed to the scene as Sellier lay motionless near the padding lining the track, bleeding from her facial injury. Officials quickly brought out a curtain to shield the potentially gruesome sight from spectators as medical staff attended to the injured athlete.
Hospitalization and Surgical Intervention
After being transported to a Milan hospital, Sellier underwent surgery to repair damage to her cheekbone. According to Polsat Sports reports, the athlete received several stitches at the arena before leaving for the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a minor fracture that required surgical intervention.
"Kamila had surgery last night. She's in good condition," a Team Poland official confirmed to BBC. "We're waiting for further tests today, to check her eye for any signs of damage."
Sellier's Positive Outlook and Recovery
From her hospital bed, Sellier posted an encouraging update on Instagram, showing herself making the Korean 'finger heart' gesture to reassure concerned fans. The athlete captioned the photo: "I know that one day I'll look at this picture and remember that I'm stronger than I ever believed."
She added: "Thank you for all your words of support, just wanted to let you know that I'm doing quite okay."
Polish Speed Skating Association sports director Konrad Niedźwiedzki confirmed that Sellier remained conscious throughout the ordeal and that the initial eye tests had produced positive results. "Yesterday, the eye passed the first tests, and that was the most important thing for us," he stated.
Competition Consequences and Results
The crash had significant implications for the competition outcome. American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold received a penalty for an illegal lane pass and did not advance in the event, while Italian competitor Ariana Fontana ultimately finished fifth.
South Korean teammates Gil-li Kim and Minjeong Choi claimed gold and silver medals respectively, with American Corinne Stoddard taking bronze. Canadian athletes Courtney Sarault and Danae Blais competed in the Final B race, with Sarault securing second place following a photo finish.
As Sellier continues her recovery, the speed skating community has rallied around the Polish athlete, expressing relief that her injuries were not more severe given the frightening nature of the incident.
