Polish speed skater Kamila Sellier faces a hospital stay after a skate blade slashed her face during the women’s short track 1500m quarterfinals at the Milano MSK Competition Rink on Saturday morning AEDT.

The Horrific Crash Unfolds

Gasps echoed through the arena as big-screen replays showed Sellier suffering the injury. Positioned wide on turn three and squeezed between two competitors, she lost control after inside contact, causing all three to crash into the barriers.

Disturbing footage captured the heel of American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold’s skate striking Sellier’s left cheek. Blood streamed from the gash beneath her left eye before she slammed into the barrier at full speed.

The 25-year-old clutched her head on the ice amid a growing pool of blood. Officials paused the race with 13 laps left, allowing medics to treat her while workers cleared the surface. A large white sheet blocked crowd views during care.

Sellier flashed a thumbs-up to fans as stretcher-bearers removed her, trailing blood across the final corner.

Latest on Her Condition

Polish officials state she received stitches, with her eye intact. Severe swelling and a probable fractured cheekbone keep her eye closed.

The national team doctor reports the situation under control. Sellier remains hospitalized for routine head injury observation, withholding further details per her wishes.

Polish journalist Alek Dzieciolowski shared on X: “Update on the case of Kamila Sellier: Probability of a fractured cheekbone. Swelling so severe that she cannot open her eye. Cheek stitched up.” He added the doctor’s assurance of stability.

Race Resumes Amid Tension

Italy’s 15-time Olympic medalist Fontana treated a left hip issue during the delay and took second place behind Belgium’s Hanne Desmet.

Sellier and Santos-Griswold did not finish; the American earned a penalty for an illegal lane pass that factored into the crash.

Broadcasters shifted cameras promptly. An English commentator remarked, “That’s very alarming, those shots there.”

Republic of Korea’s Kim Gilli won gold ahead of defending champion Choi Minjeong. Team USA’s Corinne Stoddard claimed bronze, with Fontana finishing fifth in the final.