Video shows a brutal ice crash that shakes Milano-Cortina 2026

Incident on the Ice

Kamila Siler, a Polish short-track speed skater, suffered a serious facial injury after a blade struck below her eye during the quarterfinals of the 1500m event at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The incident occurred yesterday, on Friday, as skaters tried to pass one another; Siler tangled with American Kristen Santos-Griswold and Italian Arianna Fontana, causing the three athletes to crash hard on the ice.

Siler was cut below the eye by a blade from one of the competitors, and she was carried off on a stretcher amid anxious scenes. The race was halted immediately to provide treatment, while organizers placed a white barrier to shield spectators from the scene due to the severity of the injury.

Update and Reactions

During the transfer, the Polish skater tried to reassure the crowd by raising her thumb, despite the visible blood on the ice. The referees later ruled Santos-Griswold out of the competition, banning her from qualifying after officials cited an illegal course change that caused the crash.

Polish officials said on Saturday that Siler underwent surgery and that her condition is currently stable, with further tests planned to ensure eye safety and to check for internal damage.

Her teammate Maliszewska told reporters, "The team is in shock, and we are not thinking about anything right now except Kamila's safety."

Punchline 1: If speed is the goal, the ice just reminded everyone it doubles as a stage—and sometimes the audience applauds the slapstick finish more than the finish line.

Punchline 2: In short track, gravity has a better PR agent than most coaches: it makes everyone look dramatic, but only a few leave with the gold.