Short Track Speed Skating

SALT LAKE CITY - Short track speed skater J.R. Celski is expected to have a fast recovery and resume training for the Vancouver Olympics after cutting his left leg in a racing accident.

U.S. Speed skating spokeswoman Peri Kinder said Celski was set to meet with Dr. Eric Heiden on Wednesday to develop a rehabilitation program.

Celski returned to Salt Lake City, where he trains with the national team, on Tuesday from Marquette, Mich., site of the short track national championships.

Heiden became an orthopedic surgeon after winning five gold medals in long track speed skating at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

"They seem very optimistic that he'll have a fast recovery," Kinder said in an email.

Celski, a 19-year-old skater from Federal Way, Wash., crashed in the semifinals of the 500 metres Saturday night. His right skate blade sliced into his upper left leg, spilling blood and requiring surgery.