New Delhi: It takes dedication, sacrifice and sometimes a little more than that for an aspiring medallist to be successful at the Olympics. Australia’s men’s hockey team star Matt Dawson is no exception. He had no second thoughts about getting his broken finger amputated to play for Australia at the Paris Olympics when his surgeon left him with no other choice.
A silver medallist from the Tokyo Games, Dawson is an integral member of the Australia field hockey team and will be featuring in his third Olympics in Paris this year. However, it has been far from a smooth ride for the 30-year-old, who faced a major setback after fracturing the ring finger on his right hand, a week before the Aussie hockey team’s departure to Paris.
Dawson’s participation in the Paris Olympics was in doubt after his injury. However, he immediately paid a visit to his surgeon, who suggested the only he could continue playing was if he agreed to have a part of the injured finger amputated. Dawson immediately agreed and underwent the procedure to prove his fitness before the squad flew to Paris, showcasing his determination and courage to represent his nation at the highest level.
“I didn’t have much time to make the decision (on surgery),” Dawson, who was spotted wearing a black finger guard to protect his amputated finger, told Australian broadcaster Seven Network.
“I made the decision then I called my wife and she said, ‘I don’t want you to make a rash decision’. But I guess I had all the information I needed to make a decision for not only playing in Paris, but for life after and giving myself the best health,” he explained.
“I want to win gold”
Barra says Matt Dawson had no hesitation about amputating his finger to keep his Olympic dream alive. pic.twitter.com/erbrfoz8br
— The West Sport (@TheWestSport) July 19, 2024
Gunning for gold in Paris
Having played a key role in Australia’s run to the final in men’s hockey at Tokyo 2020, Dawson will be gunning for gold in Paris having gone to extraordinary lengths to be part of his third and quite possibly his last Olympics.
The 30-year-old was lauded by his head coach Colin Batch, who hailed his dedication and determination while admitting that he was not sure he would have done the same had he been in Dawson’s place.
“The best way of recovering from it was to just chop the end of the finger off. So that’s what he decided to do. It’s not something a coach can decide for a player,” said the Australian men’s hockey team head coach.
“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,” he added.
The Australian men’s hockey team will begin their campaign at the Paris Olympics against Argentina in Pool B on July 27 before taking on South Africa in their next game. Having finished second in the last edition, Australia will be aiming to go a notch higher and finish on the top of the podium this time around.
The 30-year-old Australian hockey team star had no second thoughts when he was told by his surgeon that amputating a part of his broken finger was the only way he could play in the Paris Olympics 2024. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
