Polish Speed Skater Kamila Sellier Hospitalized After Gruesome Face Injury at 2026 Winter Olympics
MILAN, February 20, 2026 – Polish short-track speed skater Kamila Sellier was stretchered off the ice in a state of immobilization Friday night following a horrific collision during the women’s 1,500-meter quarterfinals at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The athlete suffered a deep laceration near her left eye after being struck by an opponent’s skate blade during a multi-skater fall.
Olympic Incident in Milan
The accident occurred during the sixth quarterfinal heat of the women’s 1,500-meter event. Sellier was involved in a crash that also included 15-time Olympic medalist Arianna Fontana of Italy and American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold. As the skaters fell, Santos-Griswold’s blade caught Sellier across the face, specifically slicing the area just above her left eye. Santos-Griswold was subsequently disqualified from the heat.
Medical Status and Recovery
Medical personnel attended to Sellier immediately on the ice, where she was placed in a neck brace and immobilized on a stretcher. According to Polish team officials, Sellier remained conscious and received initial stitches at the arena’s medical center. While preliminary reports indicate that her eye was not damaged, she has been transported to a local hospital in Milan for further diagnostic testing and specialized care.
Career and Background
Kamila Sellier, formerly known by her maiden name Stormowska, is a prominent figure in Polish winter sports. A veteran of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, she entered the 2026 Olympics coming off a successful season, including a silver medal in the 2,000-meter mixed relay at the European Short Track Speed Skating Championships. She had also recently advanced to the finals of the 1,500-meter event at the World Tour competition in Gdansk.
Key Facts
| Full Name | Kamila Sellier (née Stormowska) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 12, 2000 |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Sport | Short-track speed skating |
| Olympic Appearances | Beijing 2022, Milano Cortina 2026 |
| Notable Achievement | Two-time World Championship medalist |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current condition of Kamila Sellier?
As of February 20, 2026, Sellier is hospitalized in Milan. Polish officials confirmed she received stitches for a laceration near her left eye and that her vision appears to be unaffected, though she is undergoing further tests.
How did the injury happen?
The injury occurred during a collision in the 1,500-meter quarterfinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. During a fall involving several skaters, the blade of American Kristen Santos-Griswold struck Sellier in the face.
Has Kamila Sellier won any Olympic medals?
While she is a two-time World Championship medalist and a European Championship silver medalist, she had not secured an Olympic medal prior to the 2026 incident. She previously competed in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics being held?
The games are currently taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The short-track events are being hosted at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.