Winter Olympics 2026: Kamila Sellier stretchered off ice after opponent’s blade slices above her eye in short track speed skating quarter final

Kamila Sellier’s race ended in a way no one expected. The 25 year old French speed skater was left covered in blood after a crash during the Winter Olympics short track quarter final.

The accident happened in the middle of a tight race when she fell behind American skater Kristen Santos Griswold. In a split second, the back of Santos Griswold’s raised skate blade struck Sellier’s face.Blood appeared on the ice almost right away. Medical staff rushed in as Sellier slid into the rink wall. A large sheet was quickly held up to give her privacy while doctors treated her. She was awake the whole time, according to race reports, but she suffered a deep cut near her cheekbone, just below her left eye.

She was later taken to hospital for further checks and X rays.

Kamila Sellier injured after collision with Kristen Santos Griswold as Arianna Fontana and Dohee Noh affected in dramatic 2026 Winter Olympics quarter final

The crash began when Kamila Sellier lost balance and fell on the ice while chasing the leaders. Kristen Santos Griswold was just ahead of her. As Santos Griswold lifted her skate during the turn, the blade made contact with Sellier’s face. It was an accident, but the impact caused an immediate wound.Sellier then slid hard into the protective wall. Medics reached her within seconds.

Witnesses at the rink said the blood flow looked heavy, which made the moment even more frightening for fans and fellow skaters.Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian Arianna Fontana was also caught in the chaos. When Sellier went down, she clipped Fontana, taking her out of the race as well. Because of the crash, officials called for a re run of the heat.Arianna Fontana showed her experience and strength. She came back for the restart and finished second behind South Korean skater Dohee Noh.

Meanwhile, Kamila Sellier was taken away on a stretcher, carefully secured by medical staff before being transported to hospital.Event organizers have not reported any life threatening injuries. Early updates said Kamila Sellier remained conscious and responsive while receiving treatment. Doctors planned X rays to check for possible fractures around her cheekbone. The shocking scene reminded everyone how fast and dangerous short track speed skating can be. One small slip can change everything in seconds.