British rower Anna Thornton ‘in a coma’ after serious accident in Seattle

The 21-year-old, from Nottingham, is understood to have fallen down some stairs earlier this month and is currently in a 'stable but serious condition'

Anna Thornton in action for Team GB at the World Under 23 Championships (Getty)

British rower Anna Thornton is reportedly in a coma after sustaining serious injuries following an accident in Seattle.

Thornton, from Nottingham, is understood to have fallen down some stairs earlier this month and is currently in a “stable but serious condition”, British Rowing announced.

A JustGiving page has been set up to raise £80,000 to bring the 21-year-old, who is in her final year of studies at the University of Washington, back to the UK for further treatment.

In a statement, the University of Washington said: “We have been closely monitoring the condition of Anna Thornton, a member of the UW women’s rowing programme who is in a stable but serious condition with injuries resulting from an accident earlier this month.

“At this time our focus is on supporting her, her family and teammates in any way possible. Anna’s family has requested for their privacy to be respected at this time.”

Yaz Farooq, the university’s head women’s rowing coach, said: “The thoughts and prayers of the Washington rowing community have been with Anna since her accident.

“Our team, staff and administrators are focused on doing everything we can to ensure she receives the best possible care. We all miss her dearly at the boathouse and every single one of us is pulling for her.”

Thornton defended her double scull title at the World Under 23 Championships in July. She started rowing at the age of 12 and represented Team GB Juniors at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.