Polish Olympic speed skater Kamila Sellier is sending a positive message to American Kristen Santos-Griswold after Santos-Griswold accidentally cut Sellier’s face with her blade during a race at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“Hi everyone, it has come to my attention that @kristensantos has been receiving a lot of messages blaming her for the accident. I kindly ask you not to place any blame on her,” Sellier, 25, posted via her Instagram story on Sunday, February 22. “What happened was not anyone’s fault. This is the nature of our sport — it carries inherent risks, and I am fully aware of them every time I step onto the ice.”
She continued, “Please remember that accidents can happen, and no one intended for this to occur. Let’s support one another instead of pointing fingers. Let’s choose kindness instead of hate.”
The accident occurred 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 slashed Sellier’s eye in a scary moment that turned bloody.
After receiving medical treatment, Sellier was taken off the ice on a stretcher. The athlete gave a thumbs-up to the stunned crowd on the way out.
Santos-Griswold was penalized for an illegal lane pass that contributed to the accident, eliminating her from the competition.
“@kristensantos I’m sending you lots of love and hugs,” Sellier posted on Sunday. “I know it’s not easy time for you as well.”
Santos-Griswold responded to Sellier’s message on her own Instagram account, reposting Sellier’s letter and thanking her for her kind words.
“Kamila, your kindness and strength mean more than I can put into words,” Santos-Griswold wrote. “The moment I realized she sustained a cut to the face from my blade, I went directly to her to check in. That’s the kind of respect we have for each other as competitors and as people. I would never intentionally put her in harm’s way, and I’m so grateful for her kindness and understanding.”
She continued, “Short track is fast and unpredictable. We all know the risks every time we step onto the ice. Thank you for reminding everyone of that and for choosing grace in a tough situation.”
The American finished her statement by wishing Sellier a speedy recovery.
“Proud to share the ice with you,” she wrote. “Always wishing you the best and hoping for a speedy recovery.”
Sellier seems to be in good spirits as she continues recovering from her injury, posting an update from the hospital in a Saturday, February 21, Instagram post. In the post, Sellier is seen smiling as she lays in a hospital bed wearing a hospital gown. She is making a heart gesture with her thumb and index finger in the selfie.
“I know that one day I’ll look at this picture and remember that I’m stronger than I ever believed,” Sellier wrote via Instagram alongside a selfie from a hospital bed. “Thank you for all your words of support.”
She continued, “[I] just wanted to let you know that I’m doing quite OK.”
