In one of the scariest sights during the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Polish speed skater Kamila Sellier took a skate blade to her face – just missing her eye – during a terrifying crash on Friday.
However, after being taken to hospital and undergoing surgery, the Polish speed skater says that she is doing well after the scary incident.
Sellier posted an update from the hospital in Milan, showing a picture of herself lying in bed and holding up the Korean ‘finger heart’ gesture as a reassurance to her fans.
“I know that one day I’ll look at this picture and remember that I’m stronger than I ever believed,” Sellier captioned her Instagram post on Saturday morning. “Thank you for all your words of support, just wanted to let you know that I’m doing quite okay.”
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Sellier suffered the injury on Friday during the sixth quarterfinal heat of the women’s 1,500-metres event. The incident occurred when U.S. skater Kristen Santos-Griswold’s skate caught Sellier in the face while she slipped to the ice during a tangle with Italy’s Ariana Fontana.
The Polish athlete slid into the padding lining the track and lay motionless as medical arrived on the scene. Sellier – who began bleeding from her face — was taken off the ice on a stretcher while officials brought out a curtain to hide the potentially gruesome injury from those in attendance.
As she was leaving the ice, Sellier flashed a thumbs up to the crowd.
What were Sellier’s injuries?
According to Polsat Sports, Sellier received several stitches before leaving the arena and underwent a CT scan at the hospital, which revealed a minor fracture. She underwent surgery to repair the damage.
“Kamila had surgery last night. She’s in good condition,” a Team Poland official told BBC. “We’re waiting for further tests today, to check her eye for any signs of damage.”
Polish Speed Skating Association sports director Konrad Niedźwiedzki said that Sellier was “conscious” after the incident and that she underwent surgery to “repair the damaged (cheekbone).”
Niedźwiedzki added that the skater will undergo eye movement tests on Saturday.
“Yesterday, the eye passed the first tests, and that was the most important thing for us,” he said.
What happened in the event?
As a result of the crash, Santos-Griswold received a penalty for an illegal lane pass and didn’t move on, while Fontana ultimately finished fifth.
South Korean teammates Gil-li Kim and Minjeong Choi took home gold and silver, respectively, while American Corinne Stoddard won the bronze.
Canadians Courtney Sarault and Danae Blais competed in the Final B race, with Sarault coming in second place after a photo finish.