The sport of triathlon is in shock after two competitors died at this week's world championships in Madrid, Spain.
A British athlete and a Mexican athlete competing in the veteran age group died during a competition in Torremolinos, near Malaga on the Mediterranean Costa del Sol, on Friday (AEDT), the national federation and the sport's governing body said. announced.
The Mexican Triathlon Federation announced “with deep sadness” that Roger Mas Colomer, 79, passed away during the competition.
The British federation has not released the name of the player who died, and neither organization has announced the cause of death, but local media later reported that the British man, 57, died of what appeared to be a heart attack.
Branden Seal, a 28-year-old American who competes in and coaches triathlon and Ironman events, was in Madrid and slammed the lack of organization and the unforgivable deaths.
“Absolutely furious. No athlete should be lost due to lack of awareness. The World Triathlon was scary to watch. Let's do better,” Seal wrote in a short video posted to Instagram. ”
He was visibly shaken and even recorded himself discussing the horrific events that had taken place, blowing up the rescue ship which he said had served virtually no purpose.
“I just came back from a sprint distance,” Seal began.
“What I want to say is that World Triathlon had the worst lifeguards, worst awareness and worst communication I've ever seen at an event.
“A few hundred yards from the goal there was an older man who was clearly signaling for help.
“Everyone on shore saw it and everyone was yelling for someone to get there.
“The kayaker was paddling along completely oblivious, there was no jet ski nearby and he was just heading up.
“After 20 minutes of chest compressions, I was discharged. Worst staff at a water job I have ever seen.
“You should absolutely be ashamed of yourself. Something needs to change. No one should die in a triathlon.”
World Triathlon released a statement confirming the deaths of the two participants, saying: “We extend our deepest condolences to their respective families, friends, national federations and the entire triathlon family.”
Statements from the Mexican and British federations were similar.
“British Triathlon can sadly confirm that one of our age group members has passed away while competing at the World Championships in Torremolinos, Spain,” a statement said.
“Their families have been notified and we are supporting them at this time.
“British Triathlon and the Age Group team would like to express their condolences and ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”
The Spanish Triathlon Federation announced last month that more than 4,000 triathletes had registered for this year's age-group event for seniors, out of more than 5,500 who took part in all competitions.
– via AFP communication
