Mel Sauve
Race organizers have confirmed that a participant died during the swim portion of today’s Ironman Texas in The Woodlands.
The event began with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands before the athletes continued onto the bike and run segments of the race.
According to local authorities, first responders were alerted of a possible missing swimmer at 7:36am, and arrived on scene at 7:38am. Search operations were launched with dive and boat rescue teams, and a victim was later recovered from the water. The athlete was pronounced deceased.
Authorities have since identified the participant as Mara Flavia Souza Araujo, a 38-year-old athlete from Brazil. Officials said preliminary findings indicate she drowned during the swim portion of the swim portion of the event. An investigation remains ongoing.
Reports indicate Araujo was an experienced triathlete who had completed multiple races over the past several years.
Ironman has released the following statement: “We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas triathlon. We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders for their assistance. Out of respect for the athlete and their family, we have no further comment.”
At Triathlon Magazine we also extend our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with family, friends, and community during this time.