Ironman cancels swim at 70.3 Victoria due to toxic algal bloom

Another Ironman swim has been cancelled ahead of race day. Yesterday, athletes competing in this weekend’s 70.3 Victoria event in Canada were told that the swim had been cancelled due to water quality tests. Results showed high levels of algal bloom, above the Health Canada threshold.

Algal bloom is a potential toxin producer. An Island Health Beach Advisory is currently in place and will not be lifted until test results determine the bloom is no longer active, which is not expected before race day, on Sunday. For the safety of athletes, volunteers and staff, Ironman announced the race will instead begin with a bike time trial starting at 6:30 am. Ironman 70.3 World Championship slots will still be awarded based on the original slot allocation numbers, and there will be no change to how age group ranking points are earned.

Swim cancellations on the rise

Last week, the Ironman Chattanooga swim was also cancelled ahead of race day, citing unusually high water levels. Flow rates in the Tennessee River were expected to rise exceptionally high, making it impossible for safety volunteers to affectively navigate the conditions and ensure the well-being of athletes, while also putting themselves at risk.

It was a disappointing blow for pro athlete Sam Long, who competed for redemption after coming away from Ironman 70.3 St. George disappointed with his performance. Though the swim is Long’s achilles heal and cancelling it gave him an advantage, he spoke out after winning the race saying it did not give him the vindication he was chasing.

Cancelling the swim portion at Ironman races is becoming more common. Ironman Canada went off without a swim last August, in Penticton, British Columbia, due to cold temperatures. Many first-timers came away feeling robbed of their “Ironman” title having only completed the bike and run. However, for the most part, reaction from the triathlon community is generally in support of choosing the safety of all over the desire to include the swim portion.

Last year, Ironman out-right cancelled its Morro Bay event in California, disappointing hundreds of athletes who’d registered. After a swim portion the previous year saw about 300 athletes DNF on the swim because of strong tidal currents, and stressing water safety volunteers who had to pull hundreds of swimmers from the water.

Deaths in the swim common

Ironman Cork made big news when two athletes died during the swim in 2023. Video footage released showed athletes struggling to enter the water and fighting rough seas off the coast of Youghal. Most deaths that occur during an Ironman happen in the swim portion of the race, though not always due to rough or cold weather. Generally, each season sees one or more deaths in the swim.

As weather patterns change and water temperatures shift, risks is on the rise as possible causes of death in the swim increase. In 2024 alone, there was a death at Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells, 70.3 Porec, 70.3 Calella-Barcelona, 70.3 Oregon, 70.3 Galveston, as well as one death at the 2024 World Triathlon Championship in Torremolinos, Spain (and a second death on the run), according to Wikipedia. Deaths in the swim are also occurring at smaller, lesser known races as well.

While it is emotionally disappointing when the swim is cancelled, especially after months of training, it is a hopeful sign that Ironman has shown a pattern recently of being pro-active in cancelling swims that are potentially unsafe.

Rationally, it is the only choice to be made, though there is certain to be many disappointed athletes who will not get to race the swim portion this weekend and Victoria. At least they will live to exercise their bragging rights, to the delight of their co-workers, friends and family.