Music: {allcanada} CANADA'S MORRISON RETURNS FOR SPEEDSKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

{allcanada} CANADA'S MORRISON RETURNS FOR SPEEDSKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS

SOCHI, Russia -- Defending 1,500-metre world champion Denny Morrison has been cleared to return to compete this weekend at the 2013 world single-distance speedskating championships.

Morrison broke the fibula of his left leg on Dec. 22 in a cross-country skiing accident. The native of Fort St. John, B.C., will race the 1,000 metres Friday and will be available as one of the three skaters for Sunday's team pursuit.

Before the injury, the 27-year-old competed in the first five World Cups this season capturing a gold medal in the 1,000 metres on Nov. 17 in the Netherlands and silver on Dec. 9 in Japan. He finished sixth overall in the World Cup standings after competing in five of nine 1,000-metre events.

"I've been feeling pretty good on the ice and getting good feedback from the coaches," Morrison said. "Things have progressed pretty quickly and I'm feeling good overall. The 1,000 meters is where it's at for me. I've been successful in the 1,000 this season. I'm really excited to have recovered this quickly."