Kamila Sellier Receives Stitches Above Eye Following Accident Caused By Blade During Winter Olympics 2026

Polish short-track speed skater Kamila Sellier has been admitted to hospital after sustaining a serious facial injury during the Women’s 1500m event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 25-year-old was struck by a competitor's skate blade during a high-speed collision in the final stages of her heat on Friday. While medical officials have confirmed she is in a stable condition, the incident has highlighted the inherent dangers of a sport where athletes reach speeds of up to 50km/h in close quarters. Kamila Sellier Accident Video: Polish Short-Track Speed Skater Collides With Opponent During Women's 1500M Event at Winter Olympics 2026.

The Collision at Milano Ice Skating Arena

The accident occurred during the quarter-final round as the pack entered a tight corner. Sellier was involved in a multi-skater tangle that also included American athlete Kristen Santos-Griswold and Italian veteran Arianna Fontana.

As Sellier fell, the raised blade of a trailing skater made contact with her face, specifically the area just above her left eye. The race was immediately halted as medical personnel rushed to the ice, using privacy screens to shield the athlete while she received emergency treatment. Eileen Gu, 22, Becomes 'Most Decorated Female Freestyler' with Big Air Silver at 2026 Winter Olympics.

Medical Intervention and Stitches

On-site medical teams managed to stabilise Sellier before she was stretchered off the ice to the arena’s medical centre. Reports from the Polish Olympic Committee confirmed that she required immediate stitches to a deep laceration near her eyebrow and cheekbone.

Following the initial procedure, Sellier was transported to a local Milan hospital for further diagnostic imaging. Doctors are currently monitoring her for a suspected orbital fracture and potential concussion, though early assessments suggest her vision has not been permanently affected.

Disciplinary Rulings and Race Results

Following a video review of the incident, race stewards disqualified both Sellier and Santos-Griswold. Santos-Griswold was penalised for the illegal lane pass that initiated the contact, ending her 2026 Olympic campaign in the 1500m event.

Arianna Fontana, who was also involved in the crash but avoided injury, was allowed to compete in the restart. The Italian legend eventually reached the final later that evening, finishing fifth. The gold medal was claimed by South Korea's Kim Gilli, who led a 1-2 finish for her nation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2026 04:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).