The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association says it is "extremely disappointed" after ex-GB athlete Serita Shone won a legal case against it.

A court has found the BBSA responsible for failing to protect Shone, from Weymouth, from injury in a high-speed crash in 2011.

Shone broke her back in the accident in Germany in October 2011 but returned to the sport two years later, only to miss out on selection for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The former heptathlete then retired and launched a claim against the BBSA for not taking adequate safety measures at the time of her crash. The governing body contested the claim but has now lost the case and been ordered to pay significant damages and legal costs.

The BBSA maintains its position, however, saying in a statement: "The BBSA are extremely disappointed by the judgement of His Honour Judge Richard Parkes QC at Swindon County Court dated 11th May 2018.

"Bobsleigh is one of the most dangerous Olympic Winter sports and there are significant rules and regulations to ensure athlete safety at all times."

The BBSA added that it had acted in "accordance with international rules and regulations" and that it will "continue to take a leading role" in the safety of its athletes.

The incident occurred when GB's number two driver Fiona Harrison lost control in a fast corner and their sled overturned. Shone was thrown out, hit the ice on her back and was then trapped beneath the sled.

Shone told the court she had raised concerns to her coaches that she had not been allowed to adapt the sled with handles, foot pegs and padding, as was common practice.

Shone said she was thankful that her long legal fight was over and said it vindicated her belief that the BBSA "did not put my safety first".

She accused the coaches of incompetence that caused her "serious physical damage".

Describing herself as committed and talented, Shone said: "They used me for what I believe to be 'cannon fodder' and sent me down the ice track, unprepared and in an unsafe condition.

"The findings of the judge confirm that had (coaches) listened to my worries and concerns about not being able to brace in the bobsleigh, I would not have been so seriously injured, and would not have had my career and aspirations so cruelly and painfully wrestled away."

She also blamed her failure to reach the Olympics on "the leftovers of physical injuries that could never be reversed".

Her lawyer Sinead Cartwright, of Hilary Meredith Solicitors, said: "Instead of acknowledging their responsibility for this serious injury, the BBSA sought to blame Serita for her accident.

"Thankfully, the judge has now found in Serita's favour ruling that the BBSA was responsible for causing this accident. It is only the sheer determination and character of Serita which enabled her to make the remarkable recovery that she has."