As Chinese skater Wang Ye cheered for her teammates at the ISU World Short Track Championships in Beijing on Saturday, the 19-year-old expressed satisfaction with her recovery after leg surgery and a strong desire to return to competition quickly.

In December 2024, Wang injured her leg in a collision during the women's 3,000m relay final of the ISU Short Track World Tour in Beijing.

"It was all of a sudden. I thought it was a knee dislocation, but actually, it was even more serious. So I had the surgery, and it was a painful process in recovery," recalled Wang, who underwent rehabilitation in Shanghai and is currently being re-examined in Beijing.

"My team gave me a lot of supports, and I have recovered for 60 to 70 percent so far, faster than my anticipation," Wang said. "Now, I can have some practice, such as running, jumping and strength training. I wish to skate on ice next month."

Besides physical recovery, Wang has also worked to rebuild her confidence. "I lost myself initially and felt many uncertainties for such a long journey of recovery. Many friends sent messages to me, and I calmed down gradually. Everything will go well," said Wang.

After the injury, she watched the remaining events of the World Tour in Beijing and missed the following tournament in Seoul, South Korea. Her teammates brought flowers and gifts to her after finishing the World Tour in Seoul. Now, Wang's recovery has amazed her teammates.

During her recovery, Wang has had more time to do things she could hardly do before, such as raising a puppy. "The pet makes me feel happy every day. In recent days, I have to ask friends to help me take care of it in Shanghai," Wang said.

"Injury is a challenge for all athletes. Such experience can make me stronger and cherish the opportunity to stand on the ice rink even more. I believe I am getting maturer," noted the young skater.

Wang isn't thinking much about the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics at present, but participating in the Games remains her major goal.

"Everything happens should be meaningful. I just take one step at a time and get the leg even stronger. I hope to come back with a better performance next season," Wang noted.