Polish skater has facial surgery after short track crash

Polish short track speed skater Kamila Sellier said she is "doing OK" after she had surgery to treat facial injuries sustained in a serious crash at Milan-Cortina 2026.

Sellier was racing in the quarter-finals of the women's 1500m on the final night of short track competition when she was caught up in the crash and struck in the face by a fellow skater's blade.

She was brought down along with 14-time Olympic medallist Arianna Fontana of Italy and American Kristen Santos-Griswold, who was penalised for attempting an illegal pass that contributed to the crash.

As Santos-Griswold fell, her skate caught Sellier and sliced her under her left eye.

Racing was paused at the Milano Ice Skating Arena while Sellier received attention behind the privacy of a white sheet. She was then stretchered off the ice, managing to give a thumbs up to the crowd as she left.

Polish officials said Sellier received stitches at the arena before being taken to hospital for surgery.

In a post on Instagram, external, Sellier shared a selfie from her hospital bed, with the right side of her face - which was struck by the blade - cropped out.

She wrote: "I know that one day I'll look at this picture and remember that I'm stronger than I ever believed.

"Thank you for all your words of support, just wanted to let you know that I'm doing quite OK."

A spokesperson for the Polish team told BBC Sport on Saturday morning: "Kamila had surgery last night. She's in good condition. We're waiting for further tests today, to check her eye for any signs of damage."

Fontana's skinsuit was nicked and she received some help from her physiotherapist on her left hip during the pause. She progressed through to the final but finished fifth, missing out on a third medal of her home Games.

The 35-year-old was trying to move level with Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjorgen as the most decorated Winter Olympian.