Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson made an extraordinary effort to compete in the Paris Olympics, even having part of his finger amputated to ensure he was fit enough to compete in his third Olympic Games.
The 30-year-old Tokyo Olympic silver medallist had been in doubt for the Paris Games after recently breaking the ring finger on her right hand.
Doctors gave him the choice between amputating part of his finger or letting it heal – either of these was the only way he could make it to Paris.
“I didn't have much time to make a decision,” he told Australian broadcaster Seven Network. “After I made the decision I called my wife and she said, 'Please don't make any rash decisions.'”
“But I felt like I had all the information I needed to make a decision, not just to play in Paris, but for the rest of my life and for the best health for myself.”
The Seven Network aired footage showing Dawson wearing a black protective finger guard.
The Australian men's national team coach praised Dawson's courage and dedication but said he wasn't sure he would have done the same.
“The best way for him to recover was to cut the tip of his finger off,” coach Colin Batch said, “so that's what he decided to do.”
“That's not something a coach can decide for a player. Full marks to Matt.
“Obviously he's serious about playing in Paris. I don't know if I would have been able to do it, but he's done it, which is really incredible.”
Australia, who finished runners-up behind Belgium in Tokyo, will be aiming to do better in Paris, where the hockey tournament begins on July 27.
