Olympic sprinter injured in career-ending crash in Tenerife wins payout

A former British Olympic sprinter who suffered life-changing injuries after a career-ending crash has received a six-figure payout. James Ellington, 38, suffered serious injuries while a passenger on a motorbike which collided with a car in Tenerife in January 2017.

James, a 100m and 200m specialist, represented Great Britain at the London and Rio Olympics in 2012 and 2016. He was also a two-time gold medalist with Great Britain at the European Championships in 2014 and 2016 and also competed at the 2021 British Athletics Championships.

In the accident, James broke several bones in his legs, as well as fractures to his eye socket, pelvis and ankle. James, who lost six liters 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 fiber rod inserted into his right leg, as well as screws and bolts in his legs. James said: “The hardest thing to try to come to terms with was that at the time of the collision I was running faster than I ever had.

“I had real faith in future success for myself and my country. Although the day of the collision will always live with me, I also know that I am lucky to have survived it.”

The personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell investigated James’ case to help him access the ongoing treatment he needs to make the best of his injuries. In 2022, the Spanish motor insurers of fellow British sprinter Nigel Levine, who was riding the motorcycle at the time of the collision, admitted liability for the damages suffered by James.

But while James tried to get back on 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.

James said: “I tried absolutely everything I could to get back into top level athletics. I trained harder and was more dedicated than ever, but unfortunately my body couldn’t cope with the demands of the incident.

“I wanted to keep going, but deep down I knew I had to call it a day. When I did it was an emotional time, but I can look in the mirror knowing that I gave it my all and it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Ahead of a planned High Court hearing this year to determine the level of his damages, James’ legal team at Irwin Mitchell and the insurers have now agreed a six-figure settlement. The money will help fund James’ ongoing rehabilitation and also compensate for his international career ending earlier than expected.

The claim was not against Nigel Levine and he had no role or involvement in the case. James has set up a consultancy business called Velocity Pro and plans to provide advice and coaching sessions to various sports clubs – as well as providing motivational public speaking sessions.

“I always tried to stay optimistic. Now that I can finally put the legal case behind me, it’s time to focus on the future. Athletics has been my life for many years and has given me so many opportunities.

“I feel I have so much to offer, not just to my fellow athletes but to the wider sporting community, and now is the time to try and give something back. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the help and support. I, not only for the past seven years, but throughout my career, am ready to embrace this new chapter and pass on some of what I’ve learned to help others.

Kylie Hutchison, international sports injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who is representing James, says James 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 are delighted to have been able to resolve this case, allowing James to now focus on his future plans.”