Sellier underwent an operation on Friday night after a competitor’s blade struck her face during the women’s 1500m short-track quarter-finals

The 25-year-old, photographed in a hospital gown with only her uninjured eye visible, posted an optimistic message to her fans on social media.

 

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 okay.”

Sellier underwent an operation on Friday night after a competitor’s blade struck her face during the women’s 1500m short-track quarter-finals, causing one of the most distressing injuries witnessed at a Winter Games.

The incident unfolded during Friday evening’s quarter-final heat when American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold attempted an illegal lane change, triggering a collision involving three competitors.

As the 31-year-old from Connecticut lost her balance, her blade swung upwards and caught Sellier just beneath her left eye, with the impact also dislodging the Polish athlete’s protective eyewear.

Italian veteran Arianna Fontana, a 15-time Olympic medallist, was also caught up in the crash but escaped serious harm.

Kamila Sellier

Polish speed skater Kamila Sellier has shared a hospital selfie

 | GETTY

Sellier had been leading the race with nine laps remaining when the accident occurred, sending her skidding across the ice as blood streamed down her cheek.

Officials immediately halted proceedings while medical staff attended to the stricken athlete behind a white privacy screen, and the track had to be cleaned before racing could resume.

Despite initially receiving stitches at the arena, Sellier was transferred to hospital where CT scans uncovered a minor fracture, prompting surgeons to reopen the wound for a thorough examination of the bone.

Polish Olympic team press attaché Katarzyna Kochaniak-Roman provided an update late on Friday.

Kamila Sellier
The 25-year-old’s face was left covered in blood | REUTERS

She said: “The decision was made after CT scan results revealed a minor fracture. After the procedure, Kamila will remain in the hospital overnight for observation.

“She’s very brave. She got out of bed on her own. Her parents and the national team doctor have been with her the entire time.”

Polish Olympic Committee president Konrad Niedzwiecki confirmed on Saturday morning that Sellier had woken with considerable swelling after limited sleep, with further assessments scheduled to examine her eye movement and determine whether her zygomatic bone sustained damage.

Santos-Griswold received a penalty for the illegal manoeuvre and was barred from progressing to the semi-finals, with reports indicating she was visibly emotional upon learning of Sellier’s condition from officials.

Kamila Sellier

PICTURED: The moment Kristen Santos-Griswold’s skate sliced into Kamila Sellier | REUTERS

The Polish skater’s teammates expressed their distress following the frightening scenes at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.

Natalia Maliszewska said: “My thoughts are with her. I can’t think of anything else.”

Fellow squad member Gabriela Topolska added: “These aren’t common accidents, but they do happen. Kamila already has one of them, from a skate on her face. Kamila has a cut in her skin, with stitches.”

Fontana, despite her involvement in the collision, recovered sufficiently to finish second in the quarter-final before ultimately placing fifth in the final.