Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson, 30, opted to amputate part of his right ring finger to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics after a serious injury sustained during practice. The injury, which almost severed the finger, would have required four to six months of recovery, prompting Dawson to choose amputation instead, allowing him to return to the field in just ten days. He described the moment he passed out from shock in the locker room after seeing the injury and acknowledged the difficulty of his decision. Dawson, who has previously won a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, emphasized his commitment to the sport, suggesting this may be his last Olympic appearance. His coach, Colin Batch, praised Dawson's dedication, noting that such sacrifices are not common. The Kookaburras are set to play Argentina in their opening match on July 27, 2024.