An Australian amputates part of a finger for Olympia participation
When Matthew Dawson breaks his ring finger before the Olympic Games, he doesn't have to think long:
Defender of the Australian Hockey National Team, Matthew Dawson, decides to have a part of his finger amputated to participate in Paris' Olympics. He informs his wife about the completed facts.
What would you give for a participation in the Olympic Games, dear reader and esteemed reader? An Australian has made the extreme decision to have a part of his finger amputated to compete in Paris two weeks later, where the Hockey Tournament will begin. Matthew Dawson, a veteran of the Australian Hockey National Team, had broken the ring finger of his right hand before the Games. Instead of casting it, he had the tip permanently removed to make participation in the Summer Games possible.
Dawson explained that his decision was well-planned. "I made a well-considered decision not only for the possibility of playing in Paris but also for my life afterwards," said Dawson to the Australian broadcaster 7News. "The best option for me was to amputate the tip of my finger. It's just a small change and an exciting challenge, I think."
The two-time Olympic participant, who won silver with the Kookaburras, the Australian team, in the 2021 Tokyo Games, meets Argentina, the Rio-2016 winner, in the first game on July 27. "I didn't have much time to make the decision. I liked it and then I called my wife, and she said, 'I don't want you to make a hasty decision.' But I had all the information I needed," explained Dawson. "I hope it won't take long before I'm back in shape," he added.
"Greater problems than the loss of a finger"
Australia's coach, Colin Batch, praised Dawson's decision as a sign of incredible dedication: "Dawson is back in training. He has set the bar high for everyone who will have a broken finger in the future. I express my praise for Matt: He made this decision and is clearly determined to play in Paris," said Batch.
Dawson downplayed his decision. "There are greater problems and other people dealing with other things in their lives that are bigger than the loss of a finger," said the defender. "I'm very happy that it's only a small piece of my finger. It would have been harder if it had been a little more, I think."
It's not the first time Dawson's career has been affected by severe injuries. Six years ago, he nearly lost an eye due to a hockey stick hit. Now, he can hope for a medal in Paris with a half ring finger.
Despite facing the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris with a missing finger tip, Matthew Dawson remains optimistic about his chances, stating, "It's just a small change and an exciting challenge." As Australia prepares to face Argentina in the first game of the Hockey Tournament on July 27, Matthew Dawson, a decorated Australian hockey player, showcases his determination to participate in the Paris Olympics.
