Two athletes die at Ironman South Africa

First reported by SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation), two athletes died during the swim leg of Ironman South Africa (African Championship). Race officials and medics on the scene say one of the individuals appeared to have suffered a heart attack, while the other experienced convulsions in the water – SABC. Both athletes were rushed to the hospital and were pronounced dead shortly after.

Prior to the start of the event, race organizers shortened the standard Ironman swim distance of 3.8K to 1.6K due to rough conditions in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Since the news first broke, police and race organizers have confirmed their deaths.

The men’s race was won by American Ben Hoffman, and Lucy Barclay-Charles (GBR) took her second win in the women’s race (back-to-back).