Aussie Olympian amputates finger to compete at Paris Games
Matthew Dawson has amputated part of his ring finger in order to compete in the Olympics.
The 30-year-old is set to represent the Australian men's hockey team - the Kookaburras- at this year's Paris Olympics.
His Olympic participation was cast into doubt after he broke his finger, but in an extreme show of dedication, he opted to amputate it instead of getting a cast.
“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 told 7NEWS.
“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.”
He reportedly didn't have much time to make the decision, but reassured that he was well informed before making the big move.
“I had made the decision and then I called my wife, and she said, ‘I don’t want you to make a rash decision’, but I had all the information I needed to make the decision not for Paris but for life after,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can not take too long to get back to form.”
He added: “There are plenty of other issues and other people going on with other stuff in their lives that are bigger than losing a finger, so I’m very fortunate that it’s just a little bit of my finger.”
Kookaburras Coach Colin Batch praised Dawson for making the big decision.
“Dawson is back in training now. He’s certainly set the bar high for anyone getting a broken finger in the future, but full marks to Matt; he’s made that decision and obviously really committed to playing in Paris,” he said.
The coach also told 7NEWS that the decision was made entirely by Dawson, and that a coach can't decide for a player.
“I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great,” he said.
The Aussie hockey team will compete against Argentina on July 27 in their first match for the Paris Olympics.
Images: Nine