The highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics has finally commenced, and people from all around the world are tuning in to witness their national teams battle it out for gold. Among the athletes representing their countries is Australian field hockey player, Matt Dawson, who is a key member of the Australian men’s team, known as the Kookaburras.
Unfortunately, Dawson experienced a setback during training a few weeks ago when he broke a finger on his right hand. The pain was excruciating, to the point that he even passed out upon seeing the injury. Medical professionals informed Dawson that the surgery to repair his finger would require months of recovery time. Determined to compete, Dawson made a bold decision – he opted to have the affected digit removed from the knuckle up, expediting his recovery process.
This means that Dawson will be able to participate in his third Olympic Games, with his first match against Argentina just 16 days after the injury. While some may have cautioned him against such a drastic measure, Dawson firmly believes that it was an informed decision. In an interview on the “Parlez Vous Hockey” podcast, he shared, “I’m definitely closer to the end of my career than the start, and if I felt that I could still perform at my best, then that’s what I was going to do. If taking the top of my finger was the price I had to pay, that’s what I would do.”
Notably, Dawson has already competed in two previous Olympic Games, achieving a silver medal in the Tokyo Games in 2021. His team captain, Aran Zalewski, expressed his initial surprise at Dawson’s decision but fully supported him, saying, “I know people would give an arm and a leg and even a little bit of finger to be here sometimes. When you’ve spent a lifetime of choice and sacrifice to come and compete at the highest level, I think for him it was an easy decision.”
The Kookaburras coach, Colin Batch, also applauded Dawson’s commitment, saying, “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.”
Dawson’s determination to overcome obstacles and keep pursuing his passion for the sport serves as an inspiration to athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. His story encapsulates the resilience and spirit that make the Olympics such a monumental event.
