Two French Olympians have died in helicopter crash in Argentina

Camille Muffat: Olympic gold medallist died in helicopter crash

Two French Olympians are among 10 people who have been killed in a helicopter crash in Argentina.

Swimmer Camille Muffat, 25, and boxer Alexis Vastine, 28, died when two helicopters collided. French yachtswoman Florence Arthaud was also killed.

The accident occurred amid filming for a reality TV show, with no survivors from the incident near Villa Castelli in La Rioja province.

Muffat won gold in the 400m freestyle at London 2012, plus a silver medal in the 200m freestyle and bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay. She had since retired from swimming to focus on her personal life.

"Camille was quite a shy and reserved person. She was discreet," said Olympic gold medallist Amaury Leveaux. "But when it was time for a bit of a laugh she was always there. French sport has lost a great champion."

Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington said Muffat would be "dearly missed", writing on Twitter: "So sad and shocked to wake up to hear the tragic death of Camille Muffat. She was an amazing sportswoman, competitor and lovely person.

"My thoughts go out to not only all her friends and family but to all the family and friends of all the 10 victims. Its an extremely sad day.

"RIP Olympic Champion Camille Muffat. You will be dearly missed. X"

British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes said: "This is such sad news. Camille was a great swimmer who achieved so much and she will be missed by everyone in the swimming world. I have today sent our deepest condolences to the French Swimming President and Camille's family."

Vastine won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He lost in the quarter-finals at London 2012.

Arthaud, 57, was a pioneer in sailing. In 1990, she won the famed Route du Rhum race, a trans-Atlantic single-handed yacht race between Brittany and the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe.

Former Arsenal and France striker Sylvain Wiltord was among others taking part in the show, but was not involved in the accident.

Wiltord said on Twitter: "I am sad for my friends. I'm trembling, I'm horrified, I don't have words. I can't say anything."