In Strzegom, Poland, a serious accident led to injuries for Olympic equestrian Jan Kaminski, who fractured bones in his spine while competing in the Nations Cup. The incident occurred four weeks ago at the third fence, raising concerns about his participation in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Initially selected as a reserve for the Olympic team, Kaminski was thrust into the main roster when fellow competitor Pawel Warszawski withdrew. This change took place just before the first horse inspection, allowing Kaminski and his horse, Jard, to make their debut in the dressage arena in Versailles on July 27.
Kaminski faced considerable challenges leading up to the competition, including the pain and recovery process from his injury. Despite these obstacles, he remained focused and committed to representing Poland. “I’ve been really focused on the Olympics for the past two years and done everything I could to be here and fight for my country,” he stated.
In a twist of fate, Kaminski’s experience mirrors his previous Olympic preparation for Tokyo, where he also transitioned into the team following a last-minute change. With remarkable determination, he aimed to block out distractions and concentrate on his performance. “There is no impact on the rider—we still have to do our job,” Kaminski said, acknowledging the support he received from his teammates and coaches during this challenging period.
Source: Website