Australian hockey player Matt Dawson made the ultimate sacrifice by having part of his finger amputated to compete in the Paris Olympics.
The 30-year-old, a member of the silver medal-winning team in Tokyo three years ago, recently broke the ring finger on his right hand, putting his hopes of competing in a third Olympic Games in doubt.
Doctors recommended he either let him recover in a cast or have the top part removed.
He chose the latter and is scheduled to undergo surgery this week.
“I made a very informed decision with my plastic surgeon at the time, not just for the opportunity to play in Paris but for the rest of my life,” he told Australia's Channel 7 as he boarded the flight to France.
“For me, cutting off the tip of my finger was the best choice. It's a bit of a change at the moment, but I see it as an exciting challenge.”
Australia coach Colin Batch said it was an incredible show of commitment.
“That's not something a coach can decide for a player,” he told the station.
“Full marks to Matt. He's obviously serious about playing in Paris. I don't know if I would have been able to do it, but he did it. It's really impressive.”
Australia, who lost on penalties to Belgium in the Tokyo final, will face 2016 Olympic champions Argentina in their first match in Paris on July 27.
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