Search
shop

Athlete dies after Corporate Triathlon Challenge during IRONMAN South Africa weekend

Triathlon community in mourning
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
Kona scenic 2022 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
The survey results which prompted IRONMAN’s dramatic Kona U-turn
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

Share to...