Australian hockey player Matt Dawson has sacrificed part of his finger to ensure his participation in the Paris Olympics. The 30-year-old recently broke his ring finger on his right hand, leaving his Olympic dreams in jeopardy. To compete in his third Olympics, Dawson chose to have the top part of his finger amputated after consulting with doctors.
Dawson, a member of the Tokyo Olympics silver medal-winning team, had to make a critical choice between putting his finger in a cast, allowing it to heal, or opting for amputation. Determined to play, Dawson went ahead with the surgery this week.
"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 explained to 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."
Australian coach Colin Batch commended Dawson's remarkable commitment to the sport and the upcoming Olympics.
"It's not something a coach can decide for a player," Batch said. "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."
Australia, narrowly defeated by Belgium in a penalty shootout in the Tokyo final, will kick off their Olympic campaign against 2016 champions Argentina on July 27.
