A Polish short-track speed skater was removed from the ice on a stretcher after sustaining a facial laceration during the women’s 1,500-metre event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The incident highlights the injury risks associated with close-contact ice racing and the importance of rapid medical response in competitive sports.

Incident During Women’s 1,500-Metre Quarter-Final

Kamila Sellier, aged 25, was injured during the quarter-final when she became entangled with other competitors and fell. During the crash, the blade of another skater struck her below the left eye, causing visible bleeding.

Officials stopped the race immediately to allow medical personnel to access the athlete. Such collisions are recognized risks in short-track skating due to the high speeds and close pack formation.

When and Where the Short-Track Speed Skating Accident Occurred

The incident took place on 20 February 2026 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan, Italy, during the Winter Olympics short-track programme. The fall occurred roughly midway through the race, prompting an urgent on-ice medical response.

Athletes Involved in the Olympic Short-Track Collision

Three skaters were involved in the crash:

• Kamila Sellier (Poland), who sustained the injury

• Kristen Santos-Griswold (United States)

• Arianna Fontana (Italy)

On-Ice Medical Response After Facial Blade Injury

Medical teams entered the rink promptly, controlled the bleeding, and shielded the athlete while providing care. Sellier was stabilized and transported on a stretcher for further evaluation. She received stitches at the venue and was later taken to hospital.

Konrad Niedźwiedzki, Sports Director of the Polish Speed Skating Association, provided a medical update to Polish media following Friday’s incident. Speaking to Polsat Sport, he said the team is awaiting diagnostic results to determine whether Sellier sustained a fracture of the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) along with facial lacerations.

According to The Associated Press, Sellier was given stitches above her eye at the venue.

Speed skaters usually compete wearing helmets without face shields and rely on protective eyewear instead. In this incident, however, Sellier’s glasses were dislodged when Santos-Griswold’s blade made contact during the collision.

Olympic Short-Track Incident Leads to Penalty and Performance Setback

Santos-Griswold received a penalty for an illegal lane pass that contributed to the crash and did not qualify for the semifinals, ending her Olympic run without a medal. She appeared confused when the referee informed her of the decision and became visibly emotional before fitting her blade guards and leaving the ice.

Italian six-time Olympian Arianna Fontana was also hurt in the incident. Although she progressed to the final, she later stated that a gluteal injury affected her performance, and she finished fifth, missing the podium.

Emergency Protocols in Olympic Ice Sports Injuries

The management of this incident followed established sports medicine principles:

• Immediate race stoppage

• Rapid rink-side medical access

• Bleeding control and wound care

• Safe immobilization and stretcher evacuation

• Hospital referral for further evaluation

Timely care is particularly critical for injuries near the eye, where delayed treatment may increase the risk of vision-related complications.

Sports Safety Lessons from the Olympic Skating Incident

This event demonstrates the ongoing need to review athlete protective equipment and maintain strong on-site medical preparedness in high-speed winter sports. While severe blade injuries remain uncommon, the potential for significant facial trauma persists in short-track skating.

Sellier’s case illustrates how rapid intervention and structured emergency response can help prevent more serious outcomes.

(Rh/SS/MSM)