Polish Olympic speed skater Kamila Sellier it sends a good message to America Kristen Santos-Griswold after Santos-Griswold accidentally cut Sellier’s face with his smile at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“Hello everyone, it has come to my mind that @kristensantos has been receiving many messages blaming him for the accident. Please do not blame him,” Sellier, 25, wrote on his Instagram story on Sunday, February 22.
He continued, “Please remember that accidents can happen, no one intended for this to happen, let’s support each other instead of pointing fingers, let’s choose kindness over hate.”
The accident happened during the women’s 1500m event on Friday, February 20, when Sellier collided with Santos-Griswold, 31, on the ice. As the two crashed, Santos-Griswold’s blade cut Sellier’s eye in a terrifying moment that turned to blood.
After receiving treatment, Sellier was taken off the ice on a stretcher. The athlete gave a thumbs up to the surprised crowd when he came out.
Santos-Griswold was penalized for an illegal lane pass that caused the crash, disqualifying him from the race.
“@kristensantos sending you lots of love and hugs,” Sellier wrote on Sunday. “I know it’s not an easy time for you either.”
USA’s Kristen Santos-Griswold collided while competing in the women’s 1500m short speed skating
Gabriel BOUYS / AFPSantos-Griswold responded to Sellier’s message on her Instagram account, retweeting Sellier’s letter and thanking her for her kind words.
“Kamila, your kindness and strength mean more than I can say,” Santos-Griswold wrote. “When I noticed that he was cut in the face by my iron, I went straight to him to check who he was. That’s the kind of respect we have for each other as competitors and as people. I would never put him in danger on purpose, and I’m very grateful for his kindness and understanding.”
He continued, “The short track is fast and unpredictable. We all know the danger every time we step on the ice. Thank you for reminding everyone of that and choosing grace in a difficult situation.”
The American ended his statement by wishing Sellier a speedy recovery.
Polish speed skater Kamila Sellier was seriously injured at the 2026 Winter Olympics when a skate swung near her eye. The incident happened during the women’s 1500m event on Friday, February 20, when Sellier, 25, was cut by Team USA’s Kristen Santos-Griswold’s skate blade when she hit the ice. Santos-Griswold, 31, […]
“I’m proud to share the snow with you,” he wrote. “I always wish you the best, but I hope you get well soon.”
Sellier appears to be in good spirits as he continues to recover from his injury, posting an update from the hospital on Saturday, February 21, posted on Instagram. In the post, Sellier can be seen smiling as he lies in a hospital bed wearing a hospital gown. He made a heart gesture with his thumb and index finger in the selfie.
“I know that one day I will look at this picture and remember that I am stronger than I believed,” Sellier wrote on Instagram alongside a selfie in a hospital bed. “Thank you for all your words of support.”
He went on to say, “[I] I just wanted to let you know that I’m doing well.”
