Winter Olympics star has surgery after being slashed across the face by rival’s skate

Polish speedskater Kamila Sellier was left bloodied at the Winter Olympics as a rival’s blade slashed her face.

The short-track star was taking part in the women’s 1500-metre race at the Milan Cortina games.

AFP

In front of a packed crowd for the last night of action in the sport, the 25-year-old was in the quarter-finals, looking to add a Winter Olympics medal to her cabinet.

Sellier had previously won World Championship silver and bronze in 3000m and 2000m relays, respectively.

She had also claimed two silvers and two bronzes at the European Championship.

This time out, she was battling to progress in the individual event, but things did not go to plan at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO BELOW

Sellier was involved in a serious crash when she was caught up between American Kristen Santos-Griswold and Arianna Fontana of Italy.

Santos-Griswold fired round the inside of her rivals, but was penalised for an illegal lane pass which contributed to the accident.

As Sellier hit the ice, the blade of the American’s skate caught her under her left eye, immediately drawing blood.

Eventually, after treatment behind a white sheet to protect both athlete and spectators from the scene, she was stretchered from the rink.

As she left, the brave star gave a thumbs-up to the crowd to indicate she was doing okay, despite leaving blood across the ice.

On Friday night, it was confirmed Sellier had received stitches at the venue before going to the hospital for tests.

AFP

AFP

AFP

A spokesperson for the Polish team on Saturday told BBC Sport: “Kamila had surgery last night. She’s in good condition. We’re waiting for further tests today, to check her eye for any signs of damage.”

The 2026 games have seen plenty of drama since they started with American legend Linsey Vonn one of the early casualties.

She crashed and suffered a horrific injury to her left leg just days after rupturing her ACL ahead of the Olympics.

Vonn has since had five surgeries on her broken leg which appears to have around 20 screws in it.

“I’m bionic for real now,” she posted on X.

Elsewhere, freeski halfpipe superstar Finley Melville was knocked out in a horror crash during his second qualification run.

Canadian freestyle skier Cassie Sharpe also needed medical assistance this week after losing consciousness in another crash.