UK bobsleigh star has emergency surgery after high-speed crash

A BRITISH bobsleigh star has undergone emergency surgery for a fractured back, following a training crash in Germany.

Brakewoman Serita Shone, 22, was said to be in a serious but stable condition after crashing during a training run while preparing for the British Championships.

Her driver, Fiona Harrison, also suffered a head injury and is under observation in hospital.

The pair were training in Winterburg, 100 miles east of Dusseldorf. Track officials say their bobsleigh flew off the course on the fast bottom part of the track.

GB performance director Gary Anderson said Shone had had spinal surgery and was under sedation.

“Both athletes are currently receiving medical attention in hospital in Germany, and their families have been informed.”

He added: “My focus is now on the two athletes concerned and their families.”

Shone, from Dorset, joined the GB bobsleigh team only this year. She switched from heptathlon and had been selected to compete for Britain on the second-tier Europa Cup circuit with a view to stepping up to the World Cup series.

Harrison, 29, is also a former heptathlete who has competed in bobsleigh for two years.

The British Bobsleigh Championships end on Saturday.