In Strzegom, Poland, a serious fall involving equestrian rider Jan Kaminski at a recent Nations Cup event left him with broken bones in his spine. The incident, which occurred at the third fence, resulted in a significant setback for Kaminski’s aspirations to compete in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite the injuries, Kaminski was selected as a reserve rider for the Olympic team. Following the withdrawal of fellow team member Pawel Warszawski, Kaminski advanced from alternate status to a primary member of the team just before the first horse inspection, marking a swift return to competitive form. His Olympic journey officially commenced in the dressage arena at Versailles on July 27.
Kaminski’s resolve and dedication have been remarkable, having trained intensively over the past two years in preparation for this moment. He had achieved significant success in prior competitions, including a victory at the qualifying event in Baborowko, just before the accident that grounded him.
While the injuries he sustained in his fall could have been debilitating, reports indicate that the fractures he suffered were minor. Kaminski described his injuries as broken parts of some tiny bones in his spine, stating they are not serious and have caused him no pain. Following the incident, he underwent extensive medical evaluations, seeing multiple specialists and being thoroughly scanned by the Polish Olympic Committee to confirm his fitness for competition.
Source: Website