US goalkeeper Naeher says he has recovered from an injury at the Tokyo Games

U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher said Monday that she is fully recovering from a right knee injury she suffered at the Tokyo Olympics, and has returned with a new appreciation of cruelty in some sports.

The veteran player collided with a teammate when he was initially trying to catch a pass when he lost 1-0 in the final against Canada, which resulted in a long-term rehabilitation.

“I’m 100% restrained. I’m not going to hold on to anything,” he told reporters at the Austin (Texas) training camp.

AFCON 2021: Deadly stampede shuts down Cameroon’s progress

“So now he’s regaining his speed. It’s been a long recovery. I’m excited to be back in the team, to lower my head and get back to work.”

Naeher was on top of the Netherlands after several sensational stoppages in the quarter-final victory, but he had to watch from the sidelines as the team defeated Australia in the bronze medal match.

He said the injury has taught him to appreciate good times, now he knows it can be temporary.

“This game can be cruel, going so fast from so high to so low,” he said.

“So for me, it’s all about taking nothing. You never know when an injury will show up, so it’s about enjoying every part. Enjoying every workout, every meeting, every physical therapy session.”

He added that a group of swimmers had taken him under his wing to help keep him in shape after doctors told him to stay away from the field.

“I’m grateful for the people who have helped me over the last six months,” he said.

“People who helped me get back to me.”