Olympian Matt Dawson amputates part of his finger to play for Kookaburras at Paris 2024

Australian men’s hockey team player Matthew Dawson didn’t flinch while having the top of his ring finger amputated to ensure he can compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics later this month.

Dawson broke the ring finger of his right hand in the lead-up to Paris 2024, which could have put his Olympic participation in doubt.

However, the 30-year-old, who was a part of the Kookaburras that won a silver medal at Tokyo 2020, opted to have the affected part amputated rather than putting it in a cast to ensure he can play in Paris in a fortnight’s time.

Australia face Rio 2016 champions Argentina in their first match of Paris 2024 on July 27.

Dawson argues that the decision was a carefully considered one.

“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.”

“I didn’t have much time to make the decision. 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. Hopefully, I can not take too long to get back to form,” he added.

Kookaburras coach Colin Batch lauded Dawson’s decision as an incredible display of commitment.

“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,” Batch stated.

A combative defender on the field, Dawson also played down his extreme decision.

“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,” he noted.

This is not the first time that Dawson has faced an extreme injury. He nearly lost an eye after being hit by a hockey stick six years back.