Polish Skater Hospitalized After Harrowing Ice Skate Incident in Milan
In a harrowing incident during the short track speed skating quarterfinals in Milan, Polish skater Kamila Sellier was hospitalized after a serious crash. This occurred during the women’s 1500-meter event, where three Polish athletes competed.
Quarterfinal Performances
The first to compete was 30-year-old Natalia Maliszewska. She finished her quarterfinal in fourth place, which unfortunately did not qualify her for the next round.
Next up was 24-year-old Gabriela Topolska, who was viewed as Poland’s best chance for advancement. Tragically, she fell after colliding with an opponent, ultimately finishing in sixth place and ending her hopes for an Olympic medal.
Kamila Sellier’s Incident
Kamila Sellier, aged 25, faced a critical moment in her quarterfinal race. Competing in a tough group—including renowned athlete Adrianna Fontana—Sellier maintained a position that would likely secure her a place in the semifinals.
- Sellier was consistently in the top three during the race.
- Five laps before the end, she fell, colliding with two other skaters.
- The race was halted to assess the situation.
Footage from the incident revealed that Sellier suffered a serious injury to her face, likely from an opponent’s skate blade. Medical personnel immediately attended to her to evaluate the damage.
According to Maliszewska, comments made on Eurosport indicated that Sellier had a cut on her eyelid and cheek, and there were concerns regarding the health of her eye. “She took a skate to the face… It looked very serious,” said Maliszewska.
Support from the Team
As the situation unfolded, Sellier’s coach was busy handling documentation for her transfer to the hospital. “Kamila was in a very dangerous position, and such occurrences are unfortunate, yet they happen in this sport,” Maliszewska added.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with short track speed skating, where athletes navigate sharp turns and high speeds on icy surfaces.
