Australian hockey star Matthew Dawson has taken a drastic step to ensure his participation in the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
The 30-year-old field hockey player had part of his finger amputated to compete in the upcoming games.
Dawson broke the ring finger of his right hand while preparing for the games, according to 7News. This injury could not only affect his play but also jeopardize his place on the team representing Australia at the Paris Games.
Doctors gave him two options: take a break from sports to let the fracture heal or amputate the tip of the finger.
"I think I had all the information I needed to make a decision—not just to play in Paris, but also for life afterward and my health," said Dawson, who won a silver medal with his team in Tokyo in 2021. He also competed in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, where Australia finished sixth.
Colin Batch, coach of the Australian men's national hockey team "Kookaburras," expressed his admiration for Dawson's decision.
"Full marks to Matt. He is obviously determined to play in Paris," said Batch, as reported by Kurier.
He admitted that he wasn't sure if he would have made the same decision in Dawson's place.
