- Ellington, 38, represented Great Britain at the 2012 London and Rio Olympics.
- He was a passenger in Levin's car when he was hit head-on by a Spanish motorist.
British Olympian James Errington has won a six-figure settlement after fellow sprinter Nigel Levin suffered life-long injuries in a bike accident in Tenerife.
The 38-year-old represented Great Britain at the London and Rio Olympics in 2012 and 2016, and won two gold medals as part of relay teams at the 2014 and 2016 European Championships.
In the accident, the 100m and 200m specialist broke multiple bones in his leg, fractured his eye socket, pelvis and ankle after his bike collided with a car in January 2017.
After the accident, Mr Ellington lost six pints of blood and was in intensive care, spending a total of four weeks in hospital.
He underwent a series of surgeries, which included the insertion of a carbon fibre rod into his right leg and screws and bolts in his foot.
Mr Ellington said: “The hardest thing to accept was the fact that at the time of the collision I was going faster than I've ever been.”
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“I felt really confident about myself and my country's future success.
“I will never forget the day of the crash, but I also consider myself lucky to have survived.”
Prior to the accident, Ellington represented Great Britain at both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics.
He also won the 200 metres at the 2012 and 2013 British Championships and reached the semi-finals in 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.
Errington recovered from multiple leg fractures to run an incredible 10.93 seconds in the 100m in 2019 and compete at the 2021 British Athletics Championships, but insists she is never again the elite runner she was before her accident.
The injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell investigated Mr. Ellington's case and helped him get the ongoing treatment he needed to overcome his injuries as best as possible.
In 2022, the Spanish car insurer of fellow British sprinter Levine, who was driving the motorbike at the time of the collision, admitted liability for Ellington's damages.
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However, despite her attempt to return to track competition, her injuries were too severe and she was unable to return to the World Championships.
He is due to officially retire at the end of the 2023 season.
“I have tried everything I can to return to top-level athletics,” Ellington said.
“I trained harder and was more dedicated than ever, but unfortunately my body just couldn't cope with the demands after the accident.
“I wanted to keep going but deep down I knew it had to end.
“I was emotional at the time, but when I look at myself in the mirror I know I gave it my all and it just didn't work out.”
Ahead of a High Court hearing scheduled for this year to determine damages, Mr Ellington's lawyers at Irwin Mitchell and his insurers agreed a six-figure settlement out of court.
The money will help fund his ongoing rehabilitation as well as provide compensation for an international playing career that ended earlier than expected.
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The allegations are not against Levine, who had no involvement or role in the case.
He too was seriously injured in the crash and required surgery to stabilise his pelvis.
Speaking about the 2022 crash, Ellington said he and Levine were lucky to escape alive.
“When the accident happened I was at the peak of my career and running faster than I’d ever been, but my life changed in an instant.
“The last few years have been incredibly tough with lots of ups and downs. I am lucky to be alive but I have always been determined not to let the accident define me and have remained focused on getting back on the track.”
“But I am sure that if the collision had not occurred I would have continued to perform at the highest level and represent my country in major championships.”
Ellington now plans to set up a consultancy called Velocity Pro to provide advice and coaching sessions to various sports clubs, as well as motivational speaking sessions.
“I have always tried to stay positive, and now that I've finally been able to wrap up my litigation, it's time to focus on the future,” he continued.
“Athletics has been my life for many years and has given me many opportunities.”
“I feel like I have a lot to contribute not only to my fellow athletes but to the sports world as a whole, and now it's my time to give something back.”
“I can't thank you enough for all the help and support you have given me not only these past seven years but throughout my career. I am ready to embrace this new chapter and pass on what I've learned to others.”
Kylie Hutchison, an international sports injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell LLP who is representing Mr Ellington, said he had shown “incredible resilience and perseverance” throughout his recovery.
She added: “While nothing can make up for the suffering James has endured, we are pleased to have resolved this case and that James can now focus on planning for his future.”
