Despite having a titanium plate in her eye socket, figure skater Kamila Sellier, seriously injured at the Olympics, wants to relaunch her career

A month after one of the most striking images of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Kamila Sellier has broken her silence. The 25-year-old Polish short-track speed skater revealed on Polish television that she now has a titanium plate in her eye socket after being struck in the face by a skate blade during the 1500-meter quarterfinals. Despite the severity of the impact, Sellier insists she has not given up on competition and intends to resume her career.

A spectacular injury on the Milan ice

The accident occurred on February 20th during a quarter-final of the women's 1500-meter short-track speed skating event. Kamila Sellier fell in a collision that also involved American Kristen Santos-Griswold and Italian Arianna Fontana. During the fall, a skate blade cut Sellier's face near her left eye, causing a severe injury that required immediate medical attention on the ice before she was stretchered off. The Polish skater suffered a deep cut to her face and a facial fracture, although her eye was not ultimately damaged beyond repair.

Several operations and lasting effects that are still present

Since the accident, Kamila Sellier has undergone several procedures. Reports published in recent days by the French press, relaying her statements on Polish television, indicate that a titanium plate or mesh has been implanted in her eye socket. The skater also explains that she continues to suffer from visual disturbances, including double vision in certain directions, as well as persistent pain related to the bone reconstruction.

Kamila Sellier expresses her desire to return

Despite the severity of her injury, Kamila Sellier doesn't want this episode to end her athletic career. The Polish figure skater affirms her desire to resume her career. This mindset echoes the message she posted from the hospital immediately after the accident, when she said she was going to "pretty good" despite the shock.

An accident that marked the Milan-Cortina Games

The scene profoundly impacted the 2026 Winter Olympics. The competition was interrupted for several minutes while medical teams attended to Kamila Sellier and the ice was cleaned. Kristen Santos-Griswold was subsequently penalized for an illegal pass that contributed to the collision, while Arianna Fontana was also slightly injured in the incident. The image of Kamila Sellier being stretchered off the ice became one of the most striking symbols of the Olympic fortnight.

A recovery that remains uncertain from a medical standpoint

While Kamila Sellier wants to return to competition, the timing of her comeback remains uncertain. She is still recovering and must contend with significant after-effects, particularly affecting her bones and vision. In February, she was to remain under specialized observation following surgery after the accident. A month later, her latest statements show that the recovery process is underway, but her desire to return to the ice remains undiminished.