Winter Olympics star posts replace from hospital mattress after horror skate to eye damage
Polish speed skater Kamila Sellier underwent surgery after a serious injury during the women’s 1500m quarter-final at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina
Kamila Sellier receives medical attention after crashing
Polish speed skater Kamila Sellier has offered reassurance to supporters following a horrific injury at the Winter Olympics. The 25-year-old was compelled to have surgery after a stray blade from a competitor caught her left eye during Thursday’s women’s 1500m quarter-final.
Sellier was competing on the final evening of the short-track events at Milano Cortina when she was brought down, but as she tumbled, she was struck by American Kristen Santos-Griswold, making contact with her ski goggles before cutting her left eye. A white screen was put up to protect the Pole’s privacy whilst she received medical treatment, but she managed to give a thumbs up to spectators as she was carried off on a stretcher.
She shared on her Instagram: “I know that one day I’ll look at this picture and remember that I’m stronger than I ever believed. Thank you for all your words of support, just wanted to let you know that I’m doing quite okay.”
Sellier had surgery on Friday evening and a spokesman for Poland’s Olympic squad confirmed there would be additional examinations to assess her eye for any indication of damage. Sellier’s team-mate, Natalia Maliszewska, seemed to be disturbed by the incident.
She said: “My thoughts are with her. I can’t think of anything else.”
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Santos-Griswold was sanctioned for attempting the illegal manoeuvre that led to the crash which also took down Italy’s 14-time Olympic medallist Arianna Fontana.
Fontana’s racing suit was torn in the incident and she required treatment on her left hip during the break, but she did manage to advance to the final, placing fifth and missing out on her third medal of the home games.
There is currently no timeline for Sellier’s recovery, or whether she will return to the ice rink again. The 25-year-old is a two-time World Championship medallist and a four-time European Championship medallist after enjoying a superb rise between 2024 and 2026.
Fontana missed out on the medals with South Korea’s Kim Gil-li claiming gold at her first Olympic games. The 35 year old complained of a sore glute and had already taken a knock to her back and arm following the quarter-final fall.
She said: “Unfortunately my left glute and back were really stiff, which limited me a bit. However, once again, I am really happy with these Olympics, managing to reach five out of five finals and bringing home three more medals.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.
Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
