Olympic speed skater Sellier in hospital after taking blade to the face
Guardian Sport
by Associated PressFebruary 20, 2026
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Kamila Sellier, a short-track speed skater from Poland, suffered a serious injury during the women’s 1500m quarter-finals at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Friday night. A collision involving Sellier, Italian medalist Arianna Fontana, and American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold occurred after Santos-Griswold made an illegal lane pass. The incident left Sellier with a deep cut above her left eye, requiring stitches administered at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. Despite her injury, Sellier was immobilized on a stretcher and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Santos-Griswold’s penalty prevented her from advancing in the competition.
The accident occurred during a high-speed race, a common feature of short-track speed skating where tight turns and close proximity between skaters increase the risk of collisions. Sellier’s injury highlights the physical demands and potential dangers of the sport, despite its thrilling nature. The incident underscored the importance of adhering to competition rules, as Santos-Griswold’s actions directly contributed to the collision.
Sellier’s resilience in continuing to compete despite her injury has drawn widespread attention. Her ability to remain focused and participate in the event, even
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026