MILAN, Italy – A frightening scene unfolded at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Friday during the women’s 1,500-meter short track speed skating quarterfinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Polish skater Kamila Sellier sustained a significant facial cut during a multi-skater collision, requiring her to be stretchered off the ice and transported to a hospital for further evaluation. The incident also resulted in the disqualification of American Kristen Santos-Griswold.
The crash occurred during a turn, involving Sellier, Santos-Griswold, and Italy’s Ariana Fontana, a 15-time Olympic medalist. Replays clearly showed Santos-Griswold’s skate blade inadvertently making contact with Sellier’s face as the three skaters fell. A trail of blood was visible on the ice, necessitating a cleanup during the extended delay.
Medical personnel immediately attended to Sellier, shielding her from the view of the crowd with a white sheet. Remarkably, Sellier was able to give a thumbs-up as she was being carried off on the stretcher, indicating she was conscious despite the severity of the injury. Polish officials have stated that Sellier’s eye is thankfully unharmed, though they suspect a possible facial fracture. She received initial stitches at the arena before being taken to the hospital for more comprehensive tests.
The incident didn’t end with Sellier’s injury. During the delay, officials informed Santos-Griswold that she had been penalized for an illegal lane pass, effectively ending her participation in the race and her Olympic competition. The American skater appeared visibly shocked by the decision, as were the commentators covering the event. According to reports, both Santos-Griswold and Sellier were penalized for the illegal pass against Fontana.
Fontana, despite appearing injured herself, was able to continue after the restart and advanced to the final, ultimately finishing fifth. Hanna Desmet of Belgium won the heat. The disqualification marked a heartbreaking end to Santos-Griswold’s Olympic journey, representing her last race of the Games. The Connecticut native, who grew up in Fairfield and began speed skating in the state, had hoped for a stronger showing in Milan.
The circumstances surrounding the disqualification have drawn scrutiny. While NBC announcers cited an illegal lane pass, a video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) appears to show the direct impact of Santos-Griswold’s blade on Sellier’s face during the crash. The exact details of the penalty remain a point of discussion, adding to the disappointment for Santos-Griswold and her supporters.
This incident underscores the inherent risks within the fast-paced and physically demanding sport of short track speed skating. The close proximity of skaters and the high speeds involved can lead to unavoidable collisions, as tragically demonstrated on Friday. The quick response of medical personnel was crucial in providing immediate care to Sellier, and the focus now shifts to her recovery.
The disqualification of Santos-Griswold, coupled with Sellier’s injury, casts a shadow over the women’s 1,500-meter event. While the competition will continue, the events of February 20th, , will undoubtedly be remembered for the unfortunate circumstances that unfolded at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the pursuit of Olympic glory can take on athletes.
Sellier’s condition will continue to be monitored closely as she undergoes further evaluation at the hospital. The Polish team has yet to release a definitive timeline for her recovery. Santos-Griswold, meanwhile, returns home with a disappointing end to her Olympic campaign, leaving many to question the fairness of the penalty that ultimately cost her a chance to compete for a medal.
