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Short-track speed skater Kamila Sellier of Poland was immobilised on a stretcher and wheeled out of Milano’s ice skating arena on Friday night after a competitor’s blade sliced her above her left eye during the women’s 1500 metres at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Sellier went down along with 14-time Olympic medallist Arianna Fontana of Italy and American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold, who was penalised for an illegal lane pass that contributed to the accident. That kept her from advancing through the quarter-final round.
The immediate aftermath of the incident in which Poland’s Kamila Sellier suffered a cut to the face.Credit: AP
The race was paused while Sellier received attention, a large white sheet blocking her from the crowd that was packed into the arena to see the final night of short-track speed skating. She eventually gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as she was taken away, leaving a trail of blood in the final corner of the track that workers had to clean up during the break.
Polish officials said Sellier’s eye was OK. She received stitches at the arena before going to the hospital for more tests.
Sellier gestures to the crowd after receiving medical attention.Credit: AP
Fontana’s skin suit was nicked up, and she received some help from her physiotherapist on her left hip during the pause. She wound up finishing second to Hanne Desmet of Belgium, sending her through to the semi-final round.
She later advanced into the finals, narrowly edging Zhang Chutong at the finishing line.
Reigning Olympic silver medallist Fontana was trying to move into a tie with Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen as the most decorated Winter Olympian. Fontana won gold in the 2000-metre mixed relay and silver in the 500 metres and 3000-metre relay earlier at Milan Cortina.
Fontana, who was seeking the 15th medal of a career that began in Turin in 2006, could only finish fifth.
“Unfortunately, my left glute and back were really stiff, which limited me a bit,” the 35-year-old said.
“However, once again, I am really happy with these Olympics, managing to reach five out of five finals and bringing home three more medals.
“And at 35 years of age, after an injury that really put everything in doubt, I couldn’t have asked for anything better, honestly.”
Italian Arianna Fontana and Pole Kamila Sellier after the quarter-final incident.Credit: AP
Asked whether she was thinking about retiring, Fontana said she did not know yet, adding she just wanted to enjoy the moment and spend time with her family and friends who came each day of competition to the arena from her hometown Berbenno di Valtellina, north of Milan.
Fontana won gold in the mixed relay in the first short track event of these Games, and also claimed silver in the women’s relay and the individual 500 metres.
AP and Reuters
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