CALGARY – Olympic speedskating champion Denny Morrison says he’s “one lucky dude” after suffering multiple injuries in a motorcycle accident earlier this month.
The 29 year-old native of Fort St. John, B.C., suffered a fractured femur, internal bruising, a slight spinal fracture, a torn ligament in his knee and a concussion in the May 7 crash.
“It could have been much, much worse,” Morrison said in a statement Monday, adding that the support he has received has been “totally overwhelming.”
READ MORE: Olympic speed skater Denny Morrison injured in Calgary motorcycle crash
Morrison was charged with failing to yield to a yellow light. Police said he hit the side of a Toyota Corolla with enough force to upend the car.
He was discharged from a Calgary hospital on May 15.
Speed Skating Canada says Morrison is mobile with the help of crutches, is working on walking slowly and has started some light pedalling on a stationary bike.
Neither driver involved in the crash will face criminal charges, according to Speed Skating Canada, which confirmed that Morrison received a $155 fine for entering an intersection during a yellow light.
WATCH: Olympic speed skater Denny Morrison injured in motorcycle collision
“I’m just happy the investigation concluded that I was not speeding or driving recklessly,” said Morrison. “I have been riding motorcycles for 20 years and take road safety seriously. I think I just got caught in the shadow of the car travelling next to me and the other driver didn’t see me when she pulled out into the intersection. I had nowhere to go.”
Brian Rahill, Speed Skating Canada’s high performance director, said the organization was pleased that Morrison was cleared of any criminal charges.
“We are even more pleased to see his recovery is coming along so quickly,” said Rahill. “He will now be able to fully focus on his recovery and, in the Olympic cycle objective, to aim to repeat his performances from Sochi at the upcoming 2018 Olympic Games.”
Morrison, 29, won a gold medal in 2010 and a silver in 2006 in team pursuit. At the 2014 Sochi Games, he won the silver in the 1,000 and bronze in the 1,500.
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