Denny Morrison not facing charges in motorcycle crash

Four-time Olympic speedskating medallist Denny Morrison will not face criminal charges after a motorcycle crash last month left him with a broken leg, according to a news release from Speed Skating Canada.

The released added Morrison met with police on May 22 and the latter confirmed he was travelling at a normal speed.

Morrison, who was released from Calgary's Foothills Hospital on May 15, was fined $155 for entering an intersection during a yellow light.

"I'm just happy the investigation concluded that I was not speeding or driving recklessly," Morrison said in a statement. "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."

The accident occurred when Morrison hit the side of a Toyota Corolla with enough force to upend the car. Two women in their 20s were in the car but did not need to go to the hospital.

Morrison, from Fort St. John, B.C., underwent surgery May 8 and a metal rod was placed in his leg to stabilize a broken femur. Speed Skating Canada said Morrison could be walking with assistance within four to six weeks.

Morrison suffered bruising to his lung, liver and kidneys, according to Speed Skating Canada, along with a slight fracture to his radius and lumbar spine transverse process, a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and concussion.

I'm sure my quick recovery is a result in part of the amazing support I have received from my family, friends and speed skating teammates.- Canadian speed skater Denny Morrison

"Speed Skating Canada is pleased to see Denny be cleared of any of the speculated criminal charges surrounding the accident. But we are even more pleased to see his recovery is coming along so quickly," said Brian Rahill, Speed Skating Canada's high-performance director.

Two weeks after the accident, Morrison doesn't sport a cast on his leg and his moving around on crutches. He has also started light pedalling on a stationary bike.

"I'm sure my quick recovery is a result in part of the amazing support I have received from my family, friends and speed skating teammates," Morrison said in a statement. "It has been totally overwhelming.

"I can't believe how quickly things have progressed so far. I know I am one lucky dude. It could have been much, much worse."

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 metres and bronze in the 1,500. The silver was made possible after Canadian teammate Gilmore Junio famously gave up his spot in the event to the more talented Morrison.

"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," Rahill said.