Injured bobsleigher Serita Shone takes first steps since 70mph crash

Former heptathlete Shone joined the British bobsleigh squad in September

British bobsleigher Serita Shone has taken her first steps since undergoing spinal surgery following a 70mph crash.

Shone, 22, was assisted by staff at the German hospital where she has been recovering from two operations.

Team performance director Gary Anderson said it is hoped she will return home to the UK within the next 10 days.

Anderson said: "Our focus now is to get Serita home to the UK as soon as the doctors give us the say so. We can then focus on her rehabilitation."

Shone and bobsleigh driver Fiona Harrison crashed during training for the British Championships in Winterberg, Germany, on 27 October.

Brakewoman Shone fractured her spine and is continuing to have spinal mobility rehabilitation.

She had only joined the bobsleigh squad earlier this year after switching from athletics, where she was a heptathlete.

British Bobsleigh chief Anderson said Shone, from Weymouth in Dorset, was in a very positive frame of mind.

He added: "The doctors in the UK are in contact with the hospital and planning for her return to the UK and her next stage of treatment and rehabilitation.

"Serita is one determined young athlete and we need to provide her with best opportunity and environment for her to recover."

Harrison, who suffered head injuries in the crash, has already expressed her desire to make a swift return to bobsleighing.