Dawson, 30, an athlete on the team that won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, recently broke the ring finger on his right hand, putting his participation in the Olympic Games at risk.
Doctors recommended putting the finger in a cast and slow recovery or… cutting off the top: Dawson chose the latter option and underwent surgery this week.
“I made an informed decision with my plastic surgeon, not only for the opportunity to play in Paris, but also for my life afterwards,” the athlete told Australia's Channel Seven as the delegation left for France.
“The best option would have been to remove the top of the finger. I think it's a simple change at the moment and an exciting challenge,” he added.
Australia coach Colin Batch said it was a great show of commitment. “It's not something a coach can decide for a player,” he said.
“Credit to Matt. He's obviously really committed to playing in Paris. I'm not sure I would have done it, but he did,” he added.
Australia, who lost the Tokyo final on penalties to Belgium, will make their Paris debut against Argentina, the Rio 2016 Olympic champions.
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