Russian gymnast Yury Ryazanov has died in a car crash in the city of Vladimir, five days after winning a bronze medal 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: DEBATEThis 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.
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Follow our reporter at the Worlds on Twitter
Ollie Williams' photos (Flickr)
World Gymnastics 2009
British Gymnastics
GB gymnasts on Facebook
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites