Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Gymnast Ryazanov killed in crash

Yury Ryazanov

Gymnast Ryazanov killed in crash

Russian gymnast Yury Ryazanov has died in a car crash in the city of Vladimir, five days after winning bronze at the World Championships in London.

Police said he died at the scene after his car was in a head-on collision.

The 22-year-old finished third in the all-around competition behind Kohei Uchimura and Briton Daniel Keatings.

"He was one of our most talented young athletes who could have achieved great things," said a Russian Gymnastic Federation spokeswoman.

"This is very tragic news for Russian gymnastics."

Ryazanov was one of Russia's most promising gymnasts.

606: DEBATE

This year he had already won the national all-around title and come third at the European championships in Milan.

His medal in London was Russia's first in the top individual event in a decade.

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