OLYMPIC SPRINTER and double European relay champion James Ellington has announced that he will return to running after a horrific motorcycle crash that left him in intensive care.
The 33-year-old was enjoying a day off training in Tenerife in January 2017, riding a motorcycle with training partner Nigel Levine, when they collided with a car driving on the wrong side of the road.
Ellington suffered a snapped tibia and fibula, fractured eye socket, pelvis and ankle, lacerations and lost six pints of blood. He was rushed to intensive care and had to undergo three surgeries, before spending time in a wheelchair.
However, with extensive metalwork throughout his body, and a 14-and-a-half-inch carbon fibre rod holding his right leg together, he now plans to return to running. A few month ago he began running again, although some sessions still leave him unable to walk. Currently, he believes himself to be performing at "around 60%", but hopes to be competing by late May.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ellington said: “My goal in 2019 is to make the team for the Athletics World Championships in Doha.
"If I don't do it, and I get close, there's no doubt in my mind I'll be back for 2020, in Tokyo, at the Olympics.
"If I can get back to a good standard this year I know I'm going - that's not even a question.
"If I do do it, it will be one of the biggest comeback stories in sporting history, probably."
"The medical staff were doubtful but from day one I said, 'unless I lose my leg, I'll be back'."
"Mentally, I've never doubted my comeback."
