The legacy left by Rafael Nadal in tennis is unquestionable. However, his influence has especially transcended in the world of sports in general. One of his most celebrated quotes states that "when you want something very intensely, no sacrifice is too great."

This quote has undoubtedly been taken to the next level by Matt Dawson. The 30-year-old athlete, a member of the team that won the silver medal in the last edition of Tokyo, recently fractured the ring finger of his right hand. 

This injury cast doubt on his availability to compete with the Kookaburras in what would be his third Olympics. In the usual medical procedure, doctors offered him two alternatives: follow the recovery timelines, which would leave him out of Paris, or have it amputated.

A warrior on the field and a master of bravery off it, he chose the terrifying latter option, which was the only one that would allow him to compete. "I didn't have much time to make the decision," recently confessed the son of former Australian cricketer Trish Dawson, who underwent the operation last week.

"I made an informed decision with the plastic surgeon at that time, not only for the opportunity to play in Paris but also for the rest of my post-sporting life," commented the Aussie defender to Channel Seven of his country before boarding the plane to the City of Light.

For this decision, national coach Colin Batch was questioned. The strategist claimed it was a sensational and jaw-dropping demonstration of commitment. "It's not something a coach can decide for a player," Batch clarified to the broadcaster, later admitting he wasn't sure he would have done it, but congratulated Dawson nonetheless.

Australia, who couldn't win gold in Japan against Belgium due to a disappointment in the penalty shootout in the final, will have Argentina, champions in Rio 2016, as their first rival in this edition. Australia's quest for gold will undoubtedly be followed by more people due to Dawson's decision, which he describes as "a change and an exciting challenge."