Former Olympian Reveals Plans For The Future Following Seven-Year Legal Case

A former British Olympic sprinter, who suffered life-changing injuries in a crash, has spoken of his hope for the future after lawyers secured him a settlement. 

James Ellington suffered a catalogue of serious injuries while a passenger on a motorbike which was involved in a collision with a car in Tenerife in January 2017. 

He suffered multiple broken bones in his legs as well as fractures to his eye socket, pelvis and ankle. James, who 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.

Sportsman James asks lawyers to investigate Tenerife collision

James, aged 38, instructed expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his case and help him access the continued treatment he requires to overcome his injuries the best he can. 

While James 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. 

In 2022, the Spanish motor insurers of fellow British sprinter Nigel Levine, who was driving the motorbike at the time of the collision, admitted liability for James’s damages. 

Lawyers and insurers agree settlement to fund James's ongoing rehab

Ahead of a planned hearing in the High Court this year to set the level of his damages, James’s’ legal team at Irwin Mitchell and the insurers have now agreed an out of court six-figure settlement. The money will help fund James’s 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.

Kylie Hutchison is a specialist international sports injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing James.

Expert Opinion

“While James has shown remarkable resilience and perseverance and tried everything he could to get back to the level he was competing at before the collision, sadly he’s been unable to do so and has been forced to take to the decision to officially retire.

“The injuries James suffered more than seven years ago continue to affect him. As well as trying to come to terms with those life-changing injuries, there has also been a long legal battle to ensure James received the settlement and access to ongoing rehabilitation and therapies he deserves.

“While nothing can make up for what he’s had to endure, we’re pleased that we’ve been able to settle this case, allowing James to now focus on his future plans.” Kylie Hutchison

Serious injury: James Ellington's story

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

James has set up a consultancy business called Velocity Pro and plans to offer advisory and coaching sessions to various sports clubs – not just athletics clubs. It comes after putting on sessions for an English professional football club. 

James also plans to offer motivational public speaking sessions.

James reveals plans for the future as he aims to help sporting community

He 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. 

“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. 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. 

“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. 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.”

Find out more about our expertise in helping people injured abroad at our dedicated international serious injury section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.