Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson has opted to amputate part of his ring finger in order to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
According to the Olympic press service, the 30-year-old Dawson broke the finger on his right hand just before the tournament. Doctors informed him that he would only be able to compete in the Olympics if he underwent amputation of the damaged phalanx.
I made a joint decision with the plastic surgeon at that time, not only for the opportunity to play in Paris, but also for life. The best option was for me to remove the tip of my finger.
Matt Dawson
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Dawson helped the Australian field hockey team win a silver medal.