Speedskater Celski fully expects to race at Olympics after returning to ice from deep leg gash

Injured speedskater Celski plans to be at Olympics

NEW YORK — Short track speedskater J.R. Celski has no doubts he’ll compete at February’s Vancouver Olympics now that he’s returned to the ice from a deep leg gash.

The 19-year-old crashed during the U.S. championships on Sept. 12, his right skate blade slicing into his left thigh. He skated for the first time since the accident in mid-November.

Celski is training with the U.S. women’s team as he regains his conditioning. He’ll rejoin the men’s team once his speed improves.

Celski won five medals at this year’s world championships. He already had enough points to be nominated to the Olympic team when he crashed at nationals.

After surgery, Celski was on crutches for about six weeks. With no major competitions between now and the Olympics, his next race would be in Vancouver.