An athlete has tragically died days after getting ‘into difficulty’ during the swimming section of an Ironman race.
The unidentified person had been competing in the Swansea Ironman 70.3 race in South Wales on Sunday when safety officials noticed them struggling in the water.
The competitor received immediate medical care and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately died on Wednesday, event organisers confirmed.
A statement from Ironman Wales released yesterday read: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of an athlete who competed in last weekend’s IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea triathlon.
‘Approximately half-way into the swim portion of the race, swim safety personnel noticed and responded to an athlete in difficulty. The athlete received immediate medical care while being taken via boat to a designated extraction point on the harbour, where further treatment was administered.
‘The athlete was then transported to the hospital where they continued to receive treatment, but sadly passed today.
‘Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the athlete. We will continue to offer them our support and keep them in our thoughts as they go through this challenging time.
‘We are deeply grateful to the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical assistance.’
An athlete has tragically died days after getting ‘into difficulty’ during the swimming section of an Ironman race
The grueling Swansea triathlon was the United Kingdom’s first ever Ironman Pro Series event
Competitors embarked on a 1.2-mile swim at the Prince Wales Dock on the waterfront, followed by a single-loop 56-mile bike ride through the countryside and a 13.1 mile two-loop run course to the finish line at the city’s marina
The grueling Swansea triathlon was the country’s first ever Ironman Pro Series event.
Competitors embarked on a 1.2-mile swim at the Prince Wales Dock on the waterfront, followed by a single-loop 56-mile bike ride through the countryside and a 13.1 mile two-loop run course to the finish line at the city’s marina.
