Ironman tragedy: What exactly happened during the fatal triathlon in Youghal?
The deaths of two Ironman athletes have rocked the Co Cork seaside town
Athletes enter the sea at the beginning of the Ironman swim race in Youghal. This year the two races were combined on Sunday, August 20th, as the half-Ironman race on Saturday had to be cancelled due to Storm Betty. Photograph: John Hennessy
Athletes enter the sea at the beginning of the Ironman swim race in Youghal. This year the two races were combined on Sunday, August 20th, as the half-Ironman race on Saturday had to be cancelled due to Storm Betty. Photograph: John Hennessy
Hugh postponed until the next day. The organiser explained that the 70.3 mile race, half a full Ironman race distance, would take place alongside the main race on Sunday morning due to “severe adverse weather conditions” caused by Storm Betty on Friday. Ironman Ireland stated the delay of the race would ensure that it could run a “great and safe event for our athletes”.
Saturday, August 19th – 6.55am
An hour after the official announcement postponing the race, athletes on the beach were advised not to enter the water by stewards of the event. “We were told the water was still too rough as a result of the storm the other day,” said Alan, an English athlete who did not compete the next day, and who asked to be identified by his first name only. “I had booked in to compete in the 70.3 but I couldn’t stay around until Sunday. So I was trying to get my feet wet before I left.” It was to be his first time taking part in an Ironman event.
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Footage taken from the Ironman event in Youghal, Co Cork shows participants struggling to enter the water for the swimming stage of the event due to rough
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