Milan witnessed a dramatic scene on Friday night during the women’s 1,500 meters short track speedskating event. Polish skater Kamila Sellier was injured after another competitor’s blade struck her above the left eye. She had to be taken away on a stretcher, prompting a pause in the race.
Sellier fell alongside Italian champion Ariana Fontana and American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold, who was later penalized for an illegal move that contributed to the crash. While medical staff attended to Sellier, the Race Director temporarily halted the competition, shielding her from the eager crowd with a large white sheet. As she was wheeled out, Sellier managed to give a thumbs-up, easing concerns about her condition despite leaving a trail of blood behind that workers promptly cleaned up.
Reports indicate that Sellier’s eye was stable after receiving stitches at the arena. She was then taken to the hospital for further checks. Meanwhile, Fontana, her skinsuit damaged, received assistance for a hip injury but continued to compete. She ultimately secured a spot in the semifinals and later advanced to the finals, where she finished closely behind Zhang Chutong from China.
Fontana is already a decorated athlete, having won a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in the previous Olympics. This competition is significant for her as she aims to tie the record for the most Winter Olympic medals, currently held by Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen.
In recent research, studies show that injuries in high-contact sports like short track skating are not uncommon, and the frequency of such incidents prompts discussions on safety measures. According to a survey by the International Skating Union, nearly 30% of skaters have experienced similar injuries in their careers. Experts suggest that improved protective gear and better lane management could help reduce these risks.
As the excitement of the Olympic Games continues, fans are rallying around skaters like Fontana on social media, cheering for their favorite athletes and discussing safety in the sport. The incident that disturbed Friday night’s event serves as a reminder of the intense competition and risks involved in short track speedskating.
You can read more about the event and its implications on ESPN.
