Triathlete dies during the swim at race in Brazil

The triathlon community suffered a tragic loss when a 39-year-old Brazilian triathlete passed away during an accident while racing in Beira-Mar de Fortaleza, Brazil, on March 16.

A sprint triathlon champion, Aninha Zuleica Xavier was competing when she failed to emerge from the water with the other competitors. Alarmed by her absence, race organizers alerted the fire department and private lifeguards to search for her.

She was eventually found unconscious in the sea and was immediately pulled from the water. Despite rescue efforts, she tragically died on the way to the hospital, as reported by Brazilian outlet Globo.

Circumstances still foggy

The Ceará State Triathlon Federation confirmed that Xavier had passed all required medical tests before the race and was familiar with the course. The exact cause of the accident remains unclear, and authorities have yet to determine what led to her distress in the water.

When she didn’t exist with the other athletes, the local fire department were called in to perform a search. She was found unconscious in the sea and pulled from the water by lifeguards. She died on the way to the hospital.

While triathlons and duathlons have strict safety protocols, open-water swimming remains one of the most unpredictable parts of endurance racing. So far, only speculation on why Xavier found herself in trouble can be sited.

Common causes of drowning at events

Typically, challenges in open-water include strong currents and waves that can affect even strong swimmers. Becoming fatigued battling the challenging conditions, or taking on water from pounding waves could trigger a drowning accident.

Sudden medical emergencies are often the cause, such as cardiac arrest, dehydration or exhaustion. Many times it is revealed an athlete can a pre-existing condition that they may, or may not have, known about.

A sudden panic attack or hyperventilation may have been the cause. Symptoms can come on suddenly and unexpectedly, especially in a crowded or full contact swim situation.

Extreme cold can also affect breathing, muscle function and motor skills. Any combination of these could lead to a struggle that ultimately lead to drowning.

Athlete had early success in triathlon

Xavier was a top level athlete, having won the 2024 Ceará Sprint Triathlon Championship. She was married and worked as a teacher. She started her triathlon journey in 2019 and quickly rose in the ranks.

Her Brazilian community characterized Xavier as being a role model and friend, and a dedicated and passionate person and competitor.

The organization continues to investigate the tragic incident.