Poland’s Kamila Sellier Suffers Eye Injury in Olympic 1500m Horror Crash

Polish short-track speed skater Kamila Sellier was left covered in blood after a rival’s blade sliced her above the left eye during the women’s 1500m at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The frightening incident unfolded at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, bringing the race to an immediate halt as medics rushed onto the ice.

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Sellier fell in a high-speed tangle with Italy’s Ariana Fontana and American Kristen Santos-Griswold, with Fontana’s skate blade appearing to catch Sellier above the eye. A large white sheet was held up to shield her from the crowd as treatment began, before she was stretchered from the rink. Despite the severity of the cut, Sellier managed to give a thumbs-up as she was taken away.

Emergency Surgery on Fractured Bone
Polish Olympic officials later confirmed that Sellier’s goggles likely prevented far more serious damage. She received stitches at the arena before being transported to hospital, where doctors discovered a fractured bone requiring surgery.

According to team officials, the operation was successful and initial eye tests were positive. Further examinations were planned to assess movement and swelling, but early signs suggested her vision had been protected.

Penalties and Podium Implications

Santos-Griswold was penalised for an illegal lane pass that contributed to the crash, ending her hopes of progressing. Fontana, whose suit was torn in the incident, recovered to finish second in the race behind Belgium’s Hanne Desmet and later advanced to the final. She narrowly edged China’s Zhang Chutong in the decisive race.

Fontana arrived in Milan already one of the most decorated athletes in Winter Olympic history, chasing the all-time medal record held by Norway’s Marit Bjørgen. Earlier in the Games, she claimed gold in the mixed relay and added silver medals in both the 500m and 3000m relay.

For Sellier, however, the night ended not with medals but with relief that a terrifying accident did not come at the expense of her sight.