Short Track Speed Skating

J.R. Celski's crash silenced the crowd at the U.S. National short track speedskating championships on Saturday, but the family of the speedskater says they're "very optimistic" he'll recover fully and continue training for the Vancouver Olympics.

Bob Crowley, executive director of U.S. Speeskating, said he spoke to members of Celski's family, who were in hospital while the 19-year-old had surgery on his left leg.

"They're very optimistic for a full recovery," Crowley said in a statement Sunday. "He'll be flying back to Salt Lake on Monday and will visit with Dr. Eric Heiden. They're hoping to have him back on a bike in three weeks to continue training for the Olympic Games."

Celski was injured in a crash during the 500 metre semifinals when he hit and bounced off the boards while coming out of a turn. Part of his right skate blade sliced into his left leg near his knee, spilling blood on the ice.

U.S. Speedskating has not provided any details on the type or extent of Celski's injury.

Emergency personnel tended to Celski, of Federal Way, Wash., before he was removed from the ice on a stretcher.

Celski did earn enough points to qualify for a spot on his first Olympic team. He finished second in overall points standings, behind Apolo Anton Ohno.

Ohno said he texted with Celski after the crash.

"He sounded like he was OK and in good spirits," Ohno said. "I've heard it's not as bad as it looked on the ice. He's one of our guys, he's skating amazing. I'm sure J.R. will be back very soon. He's a strong kid."

Also injured Saturday was 2006 Olympian Maria Garcia of Carson, Calif., who crashed into the boards during her 500 metre semifinal heat.

U.S. speedskating did not provide an update on her condition.

Garcia, who was taken to the same hospital as Celski for evaluation, did not qualify for the Olympic team.  

With files from The Associated Press