British Olympian James Ellington has won a six-figure payout after a motorbike ridden by his fellow sprinter Nigel Levine crashed in Tenerife and left him with life-changing injuries.
The athlete, 38, represented Great Britain at the London and Rio Olympics in 2012 and 2016 – winning two golds as part of the relay team in the 2014 and 2016 European Championships.
In the accident, the 100 metre and 200 metre specialist broke multiple bones in his legs and fractured his eye socket, pelvis and ankle after the motorbike collided with a car in January 2017.
Following the crash Mr Ellington lost six pints of blood, was in intensive care and spent a total of four weeks in hospital.
He underwent a series of operations and had a carbon fibre rod inserted in his right leg as well as screws and bolts in his legs.
Mr Ellington said: ‘The hardest thing to try and come to terms with was that at the time of the collision I was running faster than I ever had.
James Ellington (left), 37, was struck by a Spanish motorist while riding as a passenger behind his fellow Team GB athlete Nigel Levine (right), 33, in Tenerife in January 2017
In the accident, the 100 metre and 200 metre specialist broke multiple bones in his legs and fractured his eye socket, pelvis and ankle after the motorbike collided with a car in January 2017. Pictured: Mr Ellington re-learning to walk
James Ellington posted a picture of himself in his hospital bed on Instagram following the crash in 2017
Injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell investigated Mr Ellington’s (pictured following crash in 2017) case to help him access the continued treatment he requires to overcome his injuries the best he can
‘I had real confidence about future success for myself and my country.
‘While the day of the collision will always live with me, I also know I’m fortunate to have survived it.’
Prior to the accident Mr Ellington had represented Team GB at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
He had also won the 200m sprint at the 2012 and 2013 British Athletics Championships and reached the semi-finals of the same event at the 2014 European Championships.
At the time, both athletes were taking part in a two-week training camp for British sprinters.
Although Mr Ellington fought back from multiple leg fractures to log a remarkable 10.93 over 100 metres in 2019 and competed in the 2021 British Athletics Championships, he insists he was never again the same top-flight runner he had been before the crash.
Injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell investigated Mr Ellington’s case to help him access the continued treatment he requires to overcome his injuries the best he can.
In 2022, the Spanish motor insurers of fellow British sprinter Mr Levine, who was driving the motorbike at the time of the collision, admitted liability for Mr Ellington’s damages.
In 2022, the Spanish motor insurers of fellow British sprinter Mr Levine, who was driving the motorbike at the time of the collision, admitted liability for Mr Ellington’s (pictured) damages
Although Mr Ellington (pictured in 2014) fought back from multiple leg fractures to log a remarkable 10.93 over 100 metres in 2019 and competed in the 2021 British Athletics Championships, he insists he was never again the same top-flight runner he had been
Speaking about the crash in 2022, Mr Ellington said he and Mr Levine had been lucky to escape alive. Pictured left to right: Richard Buck, Michael Bingham, Richard Strachan and Nigel Levine celebrate winning the Men’s 4x400m Relay final event at the European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, on March 3, 2013
But while he tried to make a comeback on the track, his injuries were so severe that he was unable to return to global competition.
He was forced to officially retire at the end of the 2023 season.
Mr Ellington said: ‘I tried absolutely everything I could to return to top-level athletics.
‘I trained harder and was more dedicated than ever, but sadly my body was unable to cope with the demands following the incident.
‘I wanted to carry on but deep down I knew I had to call it a day.
‘When I did it was an emotional time, but I can look myself in the mirror knowing I gave it my all and it just wasn’t to be.’
Ahead of a planned hearing in the High Court this year to set the level of his damages, Mr Ellington’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell and the insurers have now agreed an out of court six-figure settlement.
The money will help fund his ongoing rehabilitation and also compensate for his international career ending earlier than expected.
While he tried to make a comeback on the track, his injuries were so severe that he was unable to return to global competition. Pictured: Before the accident
Speaking about the crash in 2022, Mr Ellington said he and Mr Levine had been lucky to escape alive. Pictured: At the 2016 Olympics in Rio
The claim was not against Mr Levine and he had no role or involvement in the case.
He was also badly injured in the collision, needing surgery to stabilise his pelvis.
Speaking about the crash in 2022, Mr Ellington said he and Mr Levine had been lucky to escape alive.
‘I was at the peak of my career when the crash happened and was running faster than I ever had. However, life then changed in a split-second.
‘It’s been an incredibly tough few years with a lot of ups and downs. While I’m lucky to be alive, I’ve always been determined that the collision should not define me and have focused on getting back out on the track.
‘However, if it wasn’t for the collision I’m confident I would have kept on performing at the highest level and would have continued to represent my country at major championships.’
Mr Ellington has now set up a consultancy business called Velocity Pro and plans to offer advisory and coaching sessions to various sports clubs – as well as offer motivational public speaking sessions.
‘I’ve always tried to remain upbeat. Now that I can finally put the legal case behind me it’s time to focus on the future,’ he continued.
‘Athletics has been my life for many years and has given me so many opportunities.
‘I feel I have so much to offer, not only fellow athletes but also the wider sporting community, and now is the time to try give something back.
‘I can’t thank everyone enough for all the help and support they’ve given me, not only over the last seven years but throughout my career. I’m ready to embrace this new chapter and pass on some what I’ve learned to help others.’
Kylie Hutchison, a specialist international sports injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Ellington, says that he has shown ‘remarkable resilience and perseverance’ throughout his recovery journey.
She added: ‘While nothing can make up for what James has had to endure, we’re pleased that we’ve been able to settle this case, allowing James to now focus on his future plans.’
