A talented 24-year-old athlete has died after she was involved in a horror high speed train crash in Spain that has claimed the lives of at least 69 people

A 24-year-old athlete has died after she was involved in a horror train crash in Spain. At least 69 people died on Wednesday when two high-speed trains heading from Madrid to the southern region of Andalucía collided.

Julieta Gallego, from the Madrid-based club AD Sprint, is one of those who has sadly died. Raúl Chapado , president of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEF), shared the sad news: “There are blows that strike at the very heart of the athletics family.

"Today, the sport mourns the passing of Julieta, a life ahead of her that has been unjustly extinguished. Spanish athletics embraces Julieta’s soul and shares the immense grief of her family, her friends, and her lifelong club. They are not alone in this void.”

Make sure you never miss the most fun content in sport by making the Daily Star one of your Google preferred sources.

"Of course, we extend our condolences to all the victims of the accident, their families and friends."

Gallego, who had only just celebrated her birthday earlier this month, was a student at the German School of Madrid and often competed in the Spanish club championships.

Local reports suggest she was an "outstanding members of her club" and held a personal best of 5.90 meters.

The crash has rocked Spain with prime minister Pedro Sánchez saying the authorities were doing all they could to establish the cause of the crash and prevent another rail tragedy.

“I’d like to let all Spaniards know that every institution that is part of the state - from the smallest municipality to the government of Spain - is working day and night.

"Not only to provide a response to the families of the victims, but also, of course, to uncover every last detail of this tragedy and to strengthen safety measures so that something like this never happens again.”

Alongside the 69 that have died, officials said another 107 people had needed medical treatment in hospital, including 15 who were in a serious condition.