Finger Amputation for Olympic Participation... "Can't Compete with a Cast"

Australian Hockey National Team Player Matthew Dawson
Amputates Finger to Participate in Match
Coach Also Concerned... "Very Dedicated"

The story of a hockey player who chose to amputate a finger instead of wearing a cast in order to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics is gaining attention.

Australian national hockey team player Matthew Dawson.
[Photo by Matthew Dawson, social media (SNS)]

On the 23rd, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Matthew Dawson of the Australian field hockey team amputated a finger to participate in the Olympics. Two weeks before the opening of the Paris Olympics, Dawson suffered a fracture on the fourth finger of his right hand. Although the fracture was a minor injury that could naturally heal with a cast, wearing a cast made it awkward to hold the hockey stick, so he chose finger amputation instead.

Dawson stated, "I made the decision after thorough consultation with doctors," adding, "Considering not only participating in the Olympics but also life after the Olympics, I concluded that amputation was the better option." He continued, "The best option was to remove the upper part of the finger. I think it is a tremendous challenge for me as well," and said, "There are many people who face bigger problems than losing part of a finger. I am fortunate that I still have some of my finger left." He also showed a positive mindset by saying, "I am a lucky person filled with excitement ahead of the Olympics."

Colin Batch, coach of the Australian men's hockey team, also expressed concern about Dawson's decision. He said, "Dawson's decision is incredibly dedicated," and added, "(In a situation where someone has to amputate a finger like Dawson) I don't know if I could make such a decision."

Currently, Dawson has completed the finger amputation surgery and is in recovery. He is 30 years old this year and also participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as a national team member, contributing to Australia's silver medal. Six years ago, Dawson showed his dedication to the national team by suffering a near blindness injury after being hit in the eye by a hockey stick. The Australian national team, which Dawson belongs to, is scheduled to play its first match against the Argentina national team on the 27th.