Polish short track representative Kamila Sellier has successfully undergone surgery at a Milan hospital following a horrific accident during the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games. The athlete suffered a deep laceration to her cheek and eyelid, as well as a fractured zygomatic bone after being struck by a skate blade. Initial reports confirm that her vision is not at risk, and she herself has posted her first photo and thanks to fans on social media.

Successful zygomatic bone surgery

Surgeons in Milan successfully operated on the fractured bone and treated the deep cut wounds on the Polish athlete's face.

Polish athlete's eyesight saved

Despite the blade striking directly near the eye, tests confirmed that the eyeball sustained no injuries.

Disqualification of the accident's instigator

American Kristen Santos-Griswold was penalized by the judges for an illegal maneuver that led to the dangerous fall.

During the sixth quarterfinal race over 1500 meters at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, a dramatic crash involving three athletes occurred. Short track once again showed its dangerous side when American Kristen Santos-Griswold performed an illegal overtaking maneuver, leading to the fall of the Polish skater and the decorated Italian Arianna Fontana. During the fall, the rear part of the American skater's blade struck Kamila Sellier near her left eye. The sight of the heavily bleeding wound forced the judges to immediately halt the race, and medical services covered the injured athlete with a white sheet, causing consternation among the gathered audience. Konrad Niedźwiedzki, the sports director of the Polish Speed Skating Association, confirmed that the operation performed at a specialized hospital focused on repairing the damaged zygomatic bone and precisely suturing the cut wounds. „Kamila została operowana, uszkodzona kość widoczna na tomografii została poskładana, a wszystko dokładnie wyczyszczone.” (Kamila has been operated on, the damaged bone visible on the tomography has been reassembled, and everything has been thoroughly cleaned.) — Konrad Niedźwiedzki Although the athlete is struggling with severe facial swelling, tests confirmed that the eyeball remained intact, which given the force of the impact is considered a miracle. The American skater, whose technical error initiated the accident, was penalized with disqualification. Short track blades are only 1.1 mm thick and are hand-sharpened until they achieve a razor-sharp edge. To protect the body from cuts, athletes must wear special suits made from aramid fibers like Kevlar, but the face remains partially exposed. A day after the procedure brought reassuring news directly from the athlete. Sellier posted online a photo showing the healthy half of her face, accompanied by a poignant caption about discovering her own mental strength. „I know that one day I will look at this picture and remind myself that I am stronger than I ever believed.” — Kamila Sellier The sports community, including rivals involved in the accident, sent numerous messages of support. Doctors are still refraining from declarations regarding the Polish athlete's return to sport, recommending patience while awaiting full regeneration of the facial tissues. milimetry — separated the skate blade from the Polish athlete losing her eyesight

Mentioned People

  • Kamila Sellier — Polish short track representative, victim of an accident during the Games.
  • Konrad Niedźwiedzki — Head of the Polish Olympic mission in Milan.
  • Arianna Fontana — Decorated Italian speed skater who was also involved in the collision.
  • Kristen Santos-Griswold — American athlete penalized for causing the accident.