Two athletes died died suddenly while competing in the “Ironman” swimming competition in Ireland, according to reports.
The event took place on Sunday in Youghal, Cork County.
The two men who died when in their 40s and 60s.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of two race participants at the IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023,” Ironman Ireland said in a statement.
“During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention upon recognizing the athletes were in need of assistance.”
“We share our greatest sympathies with the families and friends of the athletes and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.”
“We thank the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical assistance.”
The Cork County Council in Ireland also released its statement following the deaths of the athletes at the Ironman competion.
“Cork County Council is deeply saddened over the tragic loss of two race participants during the IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023 event in Youghal today. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the athletes at this incredibly difficult time.”
“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected, and we are currently offering every assistance required to the IRONMAN GROUP and all those impacted. We wish to express our gratitude to the response agencies involved, including our dedicated Fire and Emergency personnel.”
While the cause of death is unknown, the media blame the deaths on bad water conditions.
The athletes died during the swimming leg of the race, which organizers had altered due to bad water conditions.
Emergency services pulled the men from the water, but they were later pronounced dead by medical staff,
The competition’s page announced changes to the swim course, stating the intention of “delivering the safest possible swim” for the participants.
“UPDATED SWIM COURSE DISTANCE. Due to the current conditions of the water at the swim start, the swim course for both IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork and the full distance IRONMAN Ireland, Cork will now be 1.9km. This means that we can focus all of our swim safety crew on delivering the safest possible swim for all of our athletes,” the announcement read.
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