Horrific On-Ice Accident at Winter Olympics Highlights Risks in Speed Skating
Polish speed-skater Kamila Sellier suffered a frightening injury during the women’s 1,500m event at the Winter Olympics on Friday, requiring her to be stretchered off the ice after a competitor’s blade sliced above her left eye. The race was temporarily halted while medical personnel attended to Sellier, with a sheet used to shield the incident from the view of spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
Sellier was reportedly able to give a thumbs-up to the crowd as she was being removed from the arena, despite a visible trail of blood left on the ice. Teammate Natalia Maliszewska expressed shock, stating she could think of little else following the incident. Gabriela Topolska, another teammate, revealed Sellier had previously sustained a similar injury, receiving a skate blade cut to the face in the past and required stitches.
Polish officials confirmed Sellier’s eye was not seriously injured, and she received initial treatment at the arena before being transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Fontana’s Resilience Amidst the Chaos
The incident occurred during a race where Italy’s Arianna Fontana was competing. Fontana’s skinsuit was nicked during the event, and she received physiotherapy on her hip during the pause in competition. Despite the disruption, she finished second to Hanne Desmet of Belgium, securing her place in the semi-finals.
Fontana ultimately advanced to the finals, narrowly winning against Zhang Chutong. The Italian skater was aiming to equal the Winter Olympics medal record held by Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjoergen, but finished fifth in the event, missing out on a medal.
The Inherent Risks of Short Track Speed Skating
While uncommon, accidents involving blades are a known risk in short track speed skating. The high speeds and close proximity of skaters create a potentially dangerous environment. Topolska acknowledged that such incidents, though not frequent, do occur within the sport.
FAQ
Q: How serious was Kamila Sellier’s injury?
A: Polish officials stated Sellier’s eye was OK, and she received stitches at the arena before being taken to the hospital for further tests.
Q: Did Arianna Fontana win a medal in the 1,500m event?
A: No, Fontana finished fifth in the 1,500m event.
Q: Is this type of accident common in speed skating?
A: While not common, accidents involving blades are a known risk in short track speed skating due to the high speeds and close proximity of skaters.
Q: What happened after the accident?
A: The race was paused while Sellier received medical attention, and the ice was cleaned before competition resumed.
Additional reporting from AP
Stay updated with the latest Winter Olympics news and analysis. Explore more articles on our sports page.
