Search
shop

Athlete dies after Corporate Triathlon Challenge during IRONMAN South Africa weekend

Triathlon community in mourning
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Ironman has confirmed the death of a competitor following an incident during the swim leg of Saturday’s Corporate Triathlon Challenge on the weekend of IRONMAN South Africa.

The swim element of the event was a 400m one-lap anti-clockwise course from Hobie Beach in Summerstrand, near Port Elizabeth.

IRONMAN statement in full

A statement released by IRONMAN South Africa on Monday read: “We are devastated to learn today about the passing of a race participant following Saturday’s Corporate Triathlon Challenge.

“Safety personnel extracted the athlete approximately 320 meters into the 400-meter swim and transferred the athlete onto the beach for urgent medical treatment.

“The athlete was transported to a local hospital via ambulance where they continued to receive further medical treatment over the weekend. Despite best medical efforts at the hospital, the athlete sadly passed yesterday.”

Triathlon community in mourning

The statement continued: “Our hearts go out to family and friends, and together with our triathlon community, we deeply mourn the loss of one of our fellow athletes.

“We will continue to offer our support to the athlete’s loved ones as they go through this very difficult time. We thank the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support both on-site and at the hospital.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Rosie Wild IRONMAN Wales podium 2025
British Army trailblazer on rollercoaster ride before her first pro podium at IRONMAN Wales
Beth Potter wins WTCS Weihai 2025
WTCS Weihai 2025 women’s results: Potter wins again to set up Grand Final showdown with Olympic champ
Max Studer wins WTCS Weihai 2025
WTCS Weihai 2025 men’s results: Swiss star Studer stuns rivals
WTCS Weihai scenic shot bike course 2025
WATCH AGAIN: WTCS Weihai 2025 as Potter and Studer take the wins
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘It’s not happening’ – Lionel Sanders rules himself out of IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...