Athens Olympic bronze medalist of 1500 m run Maria Cioncan died in a car accident Sunday morning near Pleven, northern Bulgaria, on the road back from Greek training camp, reported Sofia News Agency.

Another two Romanians traveling in the same car were injured, the agency said.

The accident took place at 10:50 am on Sunday when her car hit a tree. The Romanian athlete died instantly.

Born in 1977 in Maieru, Cioncan was a middle distance runner from Romania, best known for winning a bronze medal in the 1500 m event at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. She set personal bests in both 800 m and 1500 m during the games.

Cioncan had not competed since the 2005 season.
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(Xinhua?News Agency January 22, 2007)