A two-time Olympian has tragically died at the age of 24 after being struck by a car. Denisa Barankova was involved in a devastating road collision when a vehicle crashed into her. The gifted archer made history for her country, becoming the first Slovak athlete to qualify for the World Games.
Denisa represented Slovakia at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. The sporting world was left in shock following her heartbreaking death on Monday. During her brief yet distinguished career, she secured a coveted individual recurve gold medal at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.
The archer was struck by a car on Osuskeho Street in Petržalka, Bratislava, on 21 June. She was rushed to Kramare Hospital, where she passed away the following day.
According to reports, a man driving had collided with an 11-year-old girl and the 24-year-old Olympian after the driver allegedly confused the accelerator with the brake. Slovak police confirmed that an investigation is now underway.
The young girl sustained chest and head injuries along with a fractured femur, while the injuries suffered by Barankova proved fatal.
The Olympian’s husband, Vladimir Hurban Jr, and her family have been left utterly devastated 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 Barankova, 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.”