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With the 2024 Paris Olympics less than a week away, athletes from all over the world are all set to take the centre stage at the quadrennial games in the French capital. The Summer Games will be played across different venues from July 26 till August 11. Hockey, which has been a permanent fixture since 1928, will be played from July 27 till August 9 at the Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes.
Ahead of the Games, Australian hockey player Matt Dawson has undergone a partial finger amputation to ensure his participation. Dawson, who was part of the silver medal winning team at the Tokyo 2020, broke his ring finger on his right hand, forcing him to undergo amputation in order to compete at the Games.
However, the 30-year-old was presented with two options by his medical team which were either to allow the finger to heal naturally in a cast or have the top portion amputated, Dawson chose the latter in order for fast recovery. “I made an informed decision with the plastic surgeon at the time not only for the opportunity to play in Paris but for life after as well,” Dawson told Australia’s Channel Seven.
“The best option was for me to take the top of my finger off. It’s a bit of a change at the moment and an exciting challenge, I guess,” he further added.
Full marks to Matt: Coach Colin Batch reacts on Dawson’s finger amputation
“It’s not something a coach can decide for a player. Full marks to Matt. Obviously he’s really committed to playing in Paris. I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great,” Australian coach Colin Batch said, lauding Dawson’s commitment.
Australia have been placed in Pool B, alongside India, Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. The Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, who lost to Belgium in penalty shootout in the finale at the last Olympics, will face Argentina in their opening match on July 27.
