Cuts to the face: Eckstein injured at the World Short Track Championships

After a training accident, Lisa Eckstein will travel to the Short Track World Championships in Beijing with cuts to her face. The incident occurred on Tuesday of last week during a competition-specific training session in Dresden.

"I was on the same level as another athlete. Somehow we both fell and she was in front of me in the boards. I crashed right into her skate blade with my face," the 23-year-old told the "Sächsische Zeitung" newspaper.

Visors not an option

Eckstein was lucky and was spared a major injury. Cuts to his right cheek and ear were stitched with five and six stitches respectively. The cut on her cheek went almost as far as the muscle, while the injury to her ear also affected the cartilage.

Eckstein would still prefer not to use additional protection. "There are only a few Dutch women and, as far as I know, two Canadians who use a full face shield," said the Dresden native. "I've actually already been offered that by the coaches. But it's out of the question for me for now."