The Spanish IPSC sports scene mourned the loss of one of its most celebrated figures, Jorge Ballesteros, a standout in practical shooting who left a lasting mark on the sport. Ballesteros passed away this week at the Madrid hospital La Paz, at the age of 39, a date confirmed by the Royal Spanish Federation of Olympic Shooting. His death is a profound blow to teammates, fans, and a generation of shooters who watched him compete at the highest levels with skill, speed, and precision.
News from Jara y Sedal indicated that Ballesteros was found in a critical condition, the vehicle where the incident occurred revealing the seriousness of his injuries. Ballesteros, also a national police officer, balanced a demanding professional life with elite sport, leaving behind a wife and two children who now face the road ahead without his day-to-day presence. The loss is felt across communities that admired his dedication and counted on his leadership in demanding competitions.
The Madrid-based shooter was widely regarded as a key member of the national shooting family, known for his competitiveness on the range and his role in mentoring younger athletes. He represented Spain with distinction in many events, contributing to the country’s reputation in practical shooting overseas and at home. His friends, colleagues, and fans remember him for his calm focus under pressure, his willingness to share knowledge, and the passion with which he trained every day to push the sport forward.
➰➰➰ Obituary updates and tributes followed on social platforms, where peers and supporters expressed their condolences and celebrated his career. The energy he brought to major tournaments and the way he connected with teammates left an enduring impression on the IPSC community. In the wake of his passing, there is a collective resolve to honor his memory by continuing to pursue excellence and by supporting the families touched by this tragedy in whatever way is needed.
– RFEDETO and other national bodies highlighted Ballesteros’s championship pedigree, noting that he was the 2017 world champion in the Open division. His record also includes three European titles, six regional European Open titles, and 17 national championships in Spain, a testament to a sustained period of dominance and versatility. His career serves as an example to aspiring shooters who aim to balance high-level competition with professional commitments outside the sport, illustrating what it means to compete with consistency across formats and environments.