If Olympic medals were awarded for sheer will to play, there would be a clear winner.
Australian field hockey player Matthew Dawson revealed on Wednesday that he has chosen to have the tip of his ring finger amputated in order to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Dawson had broken his finger during a match prior to the Olympics and wanted to ensure that the injury and the associated healing process did not prevent him from competing in international matches.
“I made an informed decision with my orthopedic surgeon at the time, not only for the opportunity to play in Paris, but for the rest of my life,” Dawson said. He spoke to 7News. “The best option for me was to cut off the tip of my finger.”
The defender added that the injury brought a “change” and an “exciting challenge”, but it was a long-term choice he and his wife made together.
“But I felt like I had all the information I needed to make a decision not just about playing in Paris, but for the rest of my life and my own health,” Dawson said.
Australia coach Colin Batch has been particularly impressed with Dawson’s unwavering dedication.
“Full marks to Matt,” Bacchi said. “I don’t know if I would have been able to do it, but he did it, and it’s really impressive.”
Dawson, 30, has been a member of the Australian men’s field hockey team since 2014, playing for the team in both 2016 and 2020.
In Tokyo, the Kookaburras lost to Belgium in a penalty shootout and won the silver medal.
Dawson’s recent dramatic injury wasn’t the first in his career.
in November 2018The Australian revealed he nearly lost an eye after being hit by a teammate’s stick during training.
When he’s not competing for Olympic glory, Dawson plays for Australia’s NSW Waratahs in the Australian Hockey League.
Partially injured ring finger or not, Dawson and Australia are chasing their first gold medal since Athens 2004.
The Australian team will begin its Olympic schedule on July 27 with a pool match against Argentina.
