A competitor has died after being pulled from choppy waters during a world famous Ironman triathlon event.
The athlete was competing in the Busseltown Ironman endurance race in Western Australia’s south-west on Sunday when they required medical attention during the first swimming leg of the gruelling event.
Event organisers confirmed the entrant was rushed to hospital but has “since passed away”.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a race participant from Sunday’s triathlon,” an Ironman in WA statement read.
“The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of the race, with event medical personnel providing support onsite before transporting them to hospital.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the athlete’s family, whom we will continue to offer our support.
“We appreciate the quick work of onsite water safety and medical personnel who provided the athlete with medical support.”
More than 3,500 entrants signed up for the 20th anniversary of the world famous race to compete in the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.
More than half of the entrants travelled from interstate or overseas to compete.
Shocked entrants took to social media to share their condolences after the sad news broke.
“My heart and thoughts go out to the family of the Ironman athlete,’ former Ironman competitor turned commentator, Pete Murray, wrote on Facebook.
“Such sad news to hear for the Ironman family.”
Another said they were “saddened to hear of this, my heart goes out to the family”.
“Never think this will happen to you, until it does. Be careful people, take care of each other. The ocean can be a dangerous place,” they wrote.
Others who had competed in the event said the swim leg of the event was ‘the hardest’ they had encountered after unusual wind chopped up the waters.
“(The) waves were that big you can’t see the race buoys at times,” a competitor wrote.
Another said “the swim condition was so tough”.
The event also hosted the Ironman 70.3, which covers half the distance of the full triathlon.
Daily Mail
