Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure he takes part in the Paris Olympics, which begins on July 26th.
Dawson had been in doubt for the massive multi-sport event held every four years in Paris after recently breaking the ring finger on his right hand. The 30-year-old was part of Australia's silver medal-winning hockey team that lost to Belgium on penalties in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic final.
Matt Dawson broke the ring finger on his right hand and it took a long time to recover, but he decided to have it amputated in order to compete in the Paris Olympics.
After learning that a broken finger would force him out of the Australian hockey team for the Paris Olympics, Dawson consulted a plastic surgeon, who recommended amputating the ring finger on his right hand.
Regarding his decision to have his ring finger amputated, Matt Dawson said he made the decision not only to ensure he could compete at the Paris Olympics, but also to prioritise his long-term health.
“I didn't have much time to make a decision,” Dawson told the Seven Network before boarding the flight to Paris.
“I made the decision and I called my wife and she said, 'Don't make any rash decisions,' but I felt I had all the information I needed to make a decision that would be in the best interest of my health, not just playing in Paris but for the rest of my life and for myself,” he added.
Kookaburras coach praises Dawson for brave play
Australian men's ice hockey team coach Colin Batch has praised Matt Dwanson's decision to have the ring finger on his right hand amputated, believing it was the best way for him to recover from his injury.
“The best way to recover was to cut off the tip of his finger,” Batch said.
“That's his decision. It's not something a coach can decide for a player. Full marks to Matt. He is obviously serious about playing in Paris. I wouldn't have done it but he's done it. It's fantastic,” he added.
Matt Dawson was part of the Australian hockey teams that competed in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.
Published: Saturday, July 20, 2024 2:59 PM IST
