24-YEAR-OLD ATHLETE JULIETA GALLEGO AMONG THE VICTIMS OF DEVASTATING SPANISH TRAIN CRASH

Spanish long jumper and sprinter Julieta Gallego had been living in Germany and had returned to Spain for a short break. Her death in the train disaster in Urda, Toledo, has left her athletics club and the wider sporting community in mourning.

A promising young athlete whose future was filled with possibility is among those who lost their lives in the devastating train crash in Spain.

Julieta Gallego, aged 24, was confirmed as one of the victims of the collision near Urda, in the province of Toledo. The news was announced by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA), prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the athletics community.

Gallego was a member of Madrid-based athletics club AD Sprint and specialised in the long jump. She also competed in sprint events.

She had celebrated her 24th birthday on October 9 and was living in Germany, where she continued pursuing her sporting career. According to reports, she had returned to Spain to spend a few days resting and enjoying time away.

Her life was cut short in a tragedy that has shaken the country.

A CLUB LEFT HEARTBROKEN

AD Sprint paid tribute to its athlete in an emotional statement, describing the day as an extremely sad one for the entire club.

The club remembered Gallego as a valued member of its jumping group and extended its deepest condolences to her family, friends, teammates and everyone who loved her.

Its message included the words:

“Rest in peace, Julieta. You will always be part of our Sprint family.”

The RFEA also expressed its sorrow, saying that the Spanish athletics family shared in the pain of her loss. The federation offered its condolences and support to her loved ones and fellow club members.

A PROMISING ATHLETIC CAREER

Gallego had established herself as a long-jump specialist and was also involved in sprint competitions.

One of her notable performances came in 2023, when she recorded a personal best of 5.90 metres in the long jump at the Spanish Under-23 Indoor Championships in Antequera.

She had continued developing her career with AD Sprint while living in Germany, representing a young generation of Spanish athletes pursuing their ambitions both at home and abroad.

A TRAGEDY THAT HAS SHAKEN SPAIN

The crash occurred near Urda, in Toledo province, involving two high-speed trains travelling on the Madrid–Seville route.

The disaster claimed dozens of lives and left many others injured. As families mourn their loved ones, authorities have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Gallego’s death has brought a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy for the Spanish sporting world. Behind the headlines is a young woman remembered by her teammates and club as part of their family.

Julieta Gallego was just 24. Her sporting journey and the future she was building have been cut short, but her memory will remain with the people who knew and supported her.

May she rest in peace. 🕊️🤍