A two-time Olympian has tragically died aged just 24 after being hit by a car as her husband and her family have been left heartbroken by the devastating news
A two-time Olympian has tragically died aged 24 after being hit by a car.
Denisa Baránková was involved in a horrific traffic collision when a vehicle drove into her. The talented archer broke barriers for her nation, becoming the first Slovak athlete to qualify for the World Games. Denisa represented Slovakia at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as reported by NeedToKnow.
The sporting world was left devastated after she sadly lost her life on Monday. During her short but illustrious career, she claimed a prestigious individual recurve gold medal at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.
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The archer was struck by a car on Osuského Street in Petržalka, Bratislava, on 21 June. She was rushed to Kramáre Hospital, where she sadly died the following day.
According to reports, a 42-year-old man driving a BMW X5 crashed into an 11-year-old girl and the 24-year-old Olympian after the motorist allegedly mistook the accelerator for the brake. Slovak police said an investigation is under way.
The young girl suffered chest and head injuries as well as a fractured femur, while the injuries sustained by Denisa proved fatal.
The Olympian’s husband, Vladimír Hurban Jr, and her family have been left heartbroken by the tragedy.
A spokesperson for the World Games said: “The International World Games Association is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Denisa Hurban Baránková, gold medallist in Field Archery – Recurve at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu. She was 24 years old.
“Denisa was one of the brightest talents in archery. A two-time Olympian and proud representative of Slovakia, she embodied the spirit of The World Games – excellence, passion, and dedication.
“Her gold medal in Chengdu last August was a moment of pure brilliance that the entire The World Games family celebrated alongside her, and it will forever remain part of the legacy of TWG 2025.
“Her loss, under such sudden and tragic circumstances, has left the global sports community in shock and grief.
“On behalf of the IWGA and the entire The World Games family, we extend our deepest condolences to her husband, her family, her teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
“We stand with the Slovak Archery Association and the Slovak sporting community in this moment of immense sorrow.”