Two competitors died at the age-group sprint World Triathlon championship, race officials have confirmed to Triathlete.
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What should have been one of the biggest triathlon celebrations of the year was marred by tragedy yesterday as two athletes died during the World Triathlon age-group sprint world championship in southern Spain, according to World Triathlon officials.
A Mexican athlete lost his life after suffering difficulties in the swim and another male competitor from Great Britain died on the run course in Torremolinos on October 17. An investigation is underway over both incidents amid allegations of poor organization and lax medical procedures from participants.
World Triathlon statement on deaths at world championship
A World Triathlon statement confirmed the news, saying: “Our deepest condolences go to the respective family, friends, National Federations and all the triathlon family. World Triathlon, the Spanish Federation and the LOC [local organizing committee] are in contact with their families and NFs [national federations] to provide all the support needed in these difficult and sad times.”
British Triathlon also confirmed that the family of a member of its age-group team had been notified and were being supported, adding: “British Triathlon and the Age-Group Team send their condolences and we request that their privacy be respected at this time.” World Triathlon said both families had requested the names of the deceased to be kept private.
Allegations of poor organization and lax medical procedures by participants have prompted an investigation into two deaths at the age-group sprint world triathlon championship race. (Photo: World Triathlon)
Criticisms of World Triathlon after championship race deaths
Branden Scheel, a professional triathlete and coach from Colorado, who was at the venue and witnessed the incident in the swim raised organizational shortcomings on social media in the hours following.
“I’ve just got back from the sprint distance,” he said. “I just want to say, World Triathlon, that was some of the worst lifeguarding, the worst awareness, the worst communication I’ve seen at an event ever.
“There was an older man that was clearly signaling for help a few hundred yards out from the finish. Everyone on shore saw it, everyone was yelling for somebody to go there. [The] kayaker is completely oblivious, paddling away.”
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