Aussie hockey player Matt Dawson amputates part of finger to play at Paris Olympics 2024

Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson has dacided to amputate a part of his ring finger to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled to start on July 26. The 30-year-old, who plays as a defender for the Australian national team, had broken the ring finger of his right hand while preparing for the Summer Olympics.

With his participation in Paris in doubt, Dawson was given two choices by the doctors: put his finger in a cast and let it heal naturally, or have it amputated. After taking everything into consideration, Dawson opted for amputation to ensure his participation in what would be his third Olympic appearance. He was a part of the Australian team that won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Dawson revealed that the drastic step had been carefully considered.

“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,” he told the media while departing for France (via olympics.com). “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.”

This is the second time Dawson has faced an injury of such severity, having almost lost an eye after being hit by a hockey stick in an accident during training in 2018.

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Australia coach lauds Matt Dawson's commitment to play in Paris Olympics 2024

Matt Dawson’s brave act has earned him praise from Colin Batch, the coach of the Australian field hockey team.

“Dawson is back in training now. He’s certainly set the bar high for anyone getting a broken finger in the future, but full marks to Matt; he’s made that decision and obviously really committed to playing in Paris,” Batch said (via olympics.com).

Dawson, who could be seen wearing a black protective guard over his injured finger, does not think so highly of his decision.

“There are plenty of other issues and other people going on with other stuff in their lives that are bigger than losing a finger, so I’m very fortunate that it’s just a little bit of my finger,” the defender told media.

Matt Dawson and the Australian field hockey team will start their Paris Olympics 2024 journey against Rio 2016 winners Argentina on July 27.