Polish Speedskater Kamila Sellier Injured in Olympic Short Track Race

Milan, Italy – Polish short track speedskater Kamila Sellier sustained a facial injury during a quarterfinal race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan on Friday, February 20th. The incident occurred when Sellier fell and was inadvertently struck by the blade of American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold above her left eye.

What Happened During the Race?

The accident took place during the women’s 1,500-meter quarterfinal. Sellier was competing alongside Santos-Griswold and Italy’s Arianna Fontana when she lost her footing on a turn. As she fell, Santos-Griswold’s blade made contact with Sellier’s face, causing a cut above her left eye NBC News.

The race was immediately paused while medical personnel attended to Sellier. A large sheet was used to shield her from view as she received treatment on the ice. She was then immobilized on a stretcher and wheeled off the ice to applause from the crowd, giving a thumbs-up as she left the arena NBC News.

Sellier’s Condition and Treatment

Polish officials reported that Sellier’s eye was assessed and determined to be okay. She received stitches at the arena before being transported to a hospital for further evaluation NBC News, AP News. Konrad Niedzwiedzki, Chef de Mission of Poland, indicated a possible cheekbone injury, significant swelling, and difficulty assessing the full extent of the eye injury until a thorough examination could be completed NBC News.

Impact on the Race and Other Skaters

Kristen Santos-Griswold was penalized for an illegal lane pass that contributed to the incident and did not advance to the semifinal round NBC News. Arianna Fontana of Italy similarly fell during the incident but was able to continue and eventually reached the final round.

The race was restarted with only four competitors. Kim Gilli and Choi Minjeong of South Korea secured gold and silver medals, respectively, while Corinne Stoddard of the USA won bronze NBC News.

Safety Concerns in Short Track Speed Skating

This incident highlights the inherent risks in short track speed skating, where skaters travel at high speeds in close proximity. Racers typically wear helmets without face shields, relying instead on protective eyewear. Sellier’s glasses were dislodged during the collision USA Today.