Two-time Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics, Natalia Lavrova, has been killed in a car accident in Russia’s Penza region.
The tragedy occurred at about 10am Moscow time on April 23, on the highway between Penza and Shemysheyka, Interfax news agency reports.
Lavrova’s car collided with another vehicle, leading to the death of the 25-year-old athlete and her sister, who was behind the wheel.
The driver of another car escaped serious injuries.
Natalia Lavrova won gold in group exercises as part of the Russian team at two consecutive Olympics – in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 – becoming the first ever two-time Olympic champ in rhythmic gymnastics.
After retiring, she worked as a trainer for the Russian Olympic training center and Russia’s rhythmic gymnastics team.