Australian field hockey player amputated part of a finger to compete in the Olympics

Athletes will do anything to compete in the quadrennial tournament - the Olympics. Some are even prepared to be without part of their limbs.

The official Games website reports that Matthew Dawson, silver medallist in field hockey at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has taken such a step. Doctors have amputated the upper phalanx of his ring finger, but he has his reasons.

He broke that part of his finger a week ago, but a cast could have ruled out the Australian's participation in the Games. But Dawson has decided to amputate the upper phalanx altogether to make sure he can play in Paris.

The hockey player himself claims that the decision was a considered one:

"I made an informed decision with my plastic surgeon, not only for the opportunity to play in Paris, but for my life afterwards," Dawson told 7NEWS. "The best option for me was to have the top of my finger removed. It's a bit of a game changer at the moment and I think it's an exciting challenge."

Coach Kokkaburras, the team Dawson represents at club level, described the decision as an incredible display of dedication:

"Dawson has already returned to training. He's certainly set the bar high for whoever gets a fractured finger in the future, but Matt's done well; he's made that decision and is obviously really determined to play in Paris."

We previously told you about how the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics will be staged.