Olympic Speed Skater Sellier Hospitalized After Blade Injury at 2026 Winter Olympics
Polish short-track speed skater Kamila Sellier was injured during the women’s 1500m race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano. The incident occurred when a competitor’s blade struck her above the left eye. This unfortunate event took place on Friday night at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Incident Overview
The race involved several athletes, including 14-time Olympic medalist Arianna Fontana from Italy and American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold. A decision was made to penalize Santos-Griswold for an illegal lane pass, which contributed to the accident. As a result, she could not advance past the quarter-final round.
Medical Response
Attention was immediately given to Sellier, with a large white sheet blocking the crowd while she received care. During the tense moments, she managed to give a thumbs up to the spectators before being transported on a stretcher. Sellier left a trail of blood on the track, which required cleanup during a pause in the event. Fortunately, Polish officials later confirmed that her eye was stable.
Follow-Up Care
- Sellier received stitches at the arena.
- She was taken to the hospital for further tests.
Arianna Fontana’s Performance
Despite her minor injuries, Fontana continued to compete. Her skinsuit was slightly damaged, and she received assistance for a hip issue during the break. Fontana finished second in her race, which allowed her to progress to the semi-finals. Ultimately, she advanced to the finals, securing a close finish against Zhang Chutong.
Olympic Achievements
Arianna Fontana, the reigning Olympic silver medalist in the 1500m, aimed to tie with Marit Bjørgen, a Norwegian cross-country skier known for her record of most Winter Olympic medals. During the Milano Cortina Games, Fontana previously claimed gold in the 2000m mixed relay and silver in both the 500m and 3000m relay.
