Polish speedskater Kamila Sellier has issued an update on her health after an opponent’s blade sliced near her left eye during the women’s 1,500 metres at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
On Friday (20 February), 25-year-old Sellier was involved in a collision with Italy’s Arianna Fontana and American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold, who was later penalised for an illegal lane pass, which prevented her from progressing from the quarter-finals.
Despite Fontana being able to continue and eventually finishing fifth in the final, Sellier was not so lucky and had to be stretchered off the course before being taken to hospital for surgery.
While she was treated by medical staff, spectators’ view of the incident was blocked by a large white sheet.
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A trail of blood was seen in the corner where the incident occurred. As she was being stretchered away, Sellier managed to raise her thumb to the supportive crowd inside the venue.
In subsequent interviews, Sellier’s team-mates appeared shaken, with Natalia Maliszewska saying that she couldn’t think of “anything else” following the incident.
Sellier’s other team-mate, Gabriela Topolska, added: “These aren't common accidents, but they do happen.
“Kamila already has one of them, from a skate to her face. Kamila has a cut in her skin with stitches.”
On Saturday morning (21 February), Polish officials confirmed to BBC Sport that the skater “had surgery” on Friday evening.
A statement read: “She's in good condition. We're waiting for further tests today to check her eye for any signs of damage.”
Later in the day, Sellier issued a statement of her own via Instagram alongside a photograph of her in a hospital bed.
The caption read: “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.”
South Korean duo Kim Gilli and Choi Min-jeong wound up finishing in the gold and silver medal positions in the 1,500m event, while USA’s Corinne Stoddard secured bronze ahead of Chinese skater Yang Jingru. Italy’s most-decorated Olympian, Fontana, could only finish fifth, having already won two silvers and a gold at the 2026 Games.
Luke Davies