Aussie swimmer escapes charges over hit-and-run lie

Australian swimmer Kenrick Monk has dodged criminal charges after falsely telling police he was hit by a car when he had actually fallen off a skateboard, jeopardising his London Olympic hopes. Monk, 23, made global headlines after sensationally retracting his claim that he had been the victim of a a hit-and-run accident on his way to swimming training in September and admitting a skateboard slip was behind his injuries. The Commonwealth Games relay gold medallist, who also competed at the Beijing Olympics and the July world championships in Shanghai, broke two bones in his elbow and said he was scared of admitting the truth to his coach. He had been facing the prospect of a Aus$10,000 (US$9,700) fine for making a false report to police, but Assistant Commissioner Peter Martin wrote to Monk saying no charges would be laid. "Despite the overwhelming evidence in this matter, I have determined to take no further action against you in this instance," read an excerpt of the letter, which was printed in News Limited newsapers on Sunday. Monk, who stewed on his hit-and-run story for two days before coming clean in a tearful public appearance, expressed his gratitude for the sensitivity with which police and swimming officials had handled the matter. "I just want to continue my rehab and prepare the best I can for the Olympic trials next year," he told News Limited. Swimming Australia said Monk was involved in a joint police education programme in schools and had been of "outstanding previous behaviour" before his skateboard accident in late September. Monk, a specialist in the 200m freestyle, is racing the clock to recover and get fit before the London 2012 Olympic trials in March. He has expressed concern that he will never again be able to fully straighten his right arm.