An investigation has been launched after a Paralympic medal hopeful was stripped of her funding while in hospital receiving mental health treatment for a gang rape and kicked off the British para-snowboarding team.

Cassie Cava, 26, had expected to make the podium at the upcoming Winter Paralympics in March, but withdrew from the selection process at the start of this month feeling suicidal at the lack of support she claims she received from some coaches and senior figures at British Parasnowsport.

At the same time as she flourished in para-triathlon – winning a European title last summer – Cava claims her winter sport bosses made her feel “worthless” and “like they want me to be un-raped.”

An independent investigation has now been launched into her allegations, with the former King’s College London medical student considering legal action and feeling like she has been punished for her mental health issues.

“They say that opening up about something and not getting support is the second trauma or the betrayal,” Cava told The Telegraph.

“They really made me feel that what had happened meant I couldn't go on and do anything. They made me feel really bad for opening up about my mental health and talking about it.