Heartbreaking Update For The Olympian Who Was Paralyzed On The Ice

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Dawson McKenzie
November 30, 2023 (4:12 PM)

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After a tragic and heartbreaking incident occurred last week to Olympian Sanni Hakala, she has taken to social media for another heartbreaking announcement.

Hakala Paralyzed From Chest Down After On-Ice Collision

More sombre news today regarding Sanni Hakala, the Finnish women's olympian hockey player, as she provided an update on her social media regarding her injury sustained last week.

Hakala was stretchered off the ice after a collision with the post left her unable to move, and she has now announced that she is paralyzed from the chest down.

Very sad news on Finnish national team player Sanni Hakala who, while playing for HV71 in Sweden collided head-first with the net. The 26-year, who has represented 🇫🇮 in two Olympics and four Worlds, is paralyzed from the chest down, with reduced function in the arms and hands.>

Hakala Looks For Privacy As She Continues Her Rehabilitation

The heartbreaking news comes with a personal statement from Hakala, announcing the end of her hockey career as she focusses on rehabilitation for everyday life. She asked that people respect her privacy moving forward and stated that there would be no more announcements on the matter.

"Not only that I now have to stop playing hockey, something that has been a large part of my life for many years, but that I may be forced to live the rest of my life in a wheelchair," Hakala writes on her Instagram. The accident happened last Friday

"Now I need to put all my energy into rehabilitation so that I can recover as well as possible. Therefore, neither I nor HV71 will make any further comments regarding my injury or my status and I ask you all to show consideration and respect for me and my family.»

Hakala won two Olympic Bronze medals with Finland and three World Championship medals (1 silver, 2 bronze) during her international competitions.

We wish the best for Hakala in her recovery from the tragic incident.