Speed Skating Canada- Calgary, May 3, 2016 – Speed Skating Canada and Denny Morrison held a briefing on the health condition of the four-time long track Speed Skating Olympic medalist following the cerebrovascular accident he suffered on Saturday, April 23, in Salt Lake City.

Last week, following his return to Calgary, Denny Morrison met with a stroke specialist as well as with the Canadian Long Track Speed Skating Team doctor, Dr. Victor Lun.

In Salt Lake City, Utah, where Morrison was hospitalized following a bike ride on the Arizona Trail, computerized tomography (CT Scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans confirmed that a brain blood clot and a carotid artery dissection had occurred. No surgery was required and no blood thinners are being used.

“Denny Morrison is doing well overall, said Dr. Victor Lun. He still has some mild symptoms from his stroke and is feeling more tired than usual. He will be seing the stroke specialist again next week to review his progress and to consider further treatment options. He will be resting from training for at least six weeks to allow his brain to recover from the stroke.”

“I feel lucky that I will be able to be back on my skates after this once again life-threatening episode, said Denny Morrison. This setback is frustrating and a bit terrifying because I consider myself in above average to very good health, yet I still experienced a stroke, proving that it can happen to anyone, at any time, at any age and anywhere.”

“Even if I feel like I’m ready to get back to training, I’ll take all the necessary time to get back in shape,” added Denny Morrison. “Of course, I’m anxious to continue training and to get back into things after finishing off last season with a good race. I’m happy I was able to go on the Arizona Trail this offseason, as I think it provided me with an excellent training base and some momentum heading into this upcoming summer of training. I wanted to see how far I could go after recovering from my motorcycle accident; but with this newest twist, once again it’s more about safety for the time being. My goal is first to limit my risk of having another stroke, then I’ll worry about getting back in shape and continuing my recovery, both from my motorcycle accident and my stroke, so I can work towards proudly representing Canada at the 2018 Olympic Games.”

Denny Morrison has won four Olympic medals over his career, including one gold (2010) and one silver (2006) in the team pursuit event. In 2014 in Sochi, he won the silver medal in the 1000m event and the bronze in the 1500m race. Following a serious motorcycle accident which occurred on May 7, 2015, Denny Morrison only took part in the last national competition of the 2015-2016 season.

About Speed Skating Canada

Speed Skating Canada (SSC) is the governing body for competitive long track and short track speed skating in Canada. Founded in 1887, the association is comprised of 13 provincial and territorial branches representing more than 14,000 individual members, and counting. SSC believes that sport is an apprenticeship for life and prizes respect for others, integrity, excellence of effort, as well as a safe, healthy environment. SSC recognizes and values its outstanding volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise. It also celebrates the 63 Olympic medals won by Canadian athletes since 1932, as well as the coaches, officials and other dedicated individuals who helped them on their journey. 

SSC is proud to be affiliated with partners that share the same vision and values including our premium sponsors Intact Insurance, as well as our funding partners, the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, City of Montreal, Calgary Olympic Oval and WinSport Canada.
 

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For information:

Patrick Godbout

Communications & Media Relations Manager

Speed Skating Canada

Email: pgodbout@speedskating.ca

Phone: 514 213-9897

Website: www.speedskating.ca  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSC.PVC

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SSC_PVC

 

Kerry Dankers
Long Track Program and Communications Coordinator
Speed Skating Canada
Email: kdankers@speedskating.ca
Phone: 403-589-8960
Website: www.speedskating.ca   
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSC.PVC  
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SSC_PVC