If there were an Olympic medal for sheer will to play, there would be a clear winner.
On Wednesday, Australian field hockey player Matthew Dawson revealed that he chose to have the top of his ring finger amputated so that he could suit up in the 2024 Olympics from Paris.
Dawson had broken the finger during pre-Olympic competition and wanted to ensure that the injury and its associated healing process didn’t hold him out of international play.
“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.”
The defender added that while the injury provided “change” and an “exciting challenge,” it was a long-term choice he and his wife made together.
“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,” Dawson said.
Australian national team head coach Colin Batch seemed particularly impressed with Dawson’s unwavering commitment.
“Full marks to Matt,” Batch said. “I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great.”
The 30-year-old Dawson has been a member of Australia’s men’s field hockey team since 2014, participating with the squad in both 2016 and 2020.
In Tokyo, the Kookaburras claimed the silver medal after losing to Belgium in a penalty shootout.
Dawson’s latest dramatic wound wasn’t the first in his career.
In November 2018, the Australian revealed that he nearly lost an eye after getting hit by a teammate’s stick during a practice.
When not competing for Olympic glory, Dawson plays for Australia’s NSW Waratahs in the Australian Hockey League.
Partial ring finger or not, Dawson and the Aussies seek their first gold medal since 2004 in Athens.
The Australian team kicks off its Olympic slate on July 27 against Argentina in pool play.