According to the sport’s governing organization, two athletes passed away while competing in the World Triathlon Championships in Spain.
On the opening day of competition at the Torremolinos-Andalucia Triathlon Championship Finals, one athlete from Mexico and one from Great Britain were competing in the sprint category.
World Triathlon said in a statement: “ “It is with deep sadness that we can inform you that two participants have died at the World Triathlon Torremolinos-Andalucía AG Sprint Distance World Championships, taking place today, October 17.. Our deepest condolences go to their respective family, friends, National Federations and all the triathlon family.”
The organization added: “World Triathlon, the Spanish Federation and the LOC are in contact with their families and NFs (national federations) to provide all the support needed in these difficult and sad times.”
Furthermore, the Mexican Triathlon Federation identified and confirmed the identity of one of the athletes, a 79-year-old named Roger Mas Colomber.
They stated: “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Mexican triathlete Roger Mas Colomer, aged 79, during his participation in the Triathlon World Championship on the afternoon of Thursday, October 17, in Torremolinos, Spain… We deeply regret this event and share the grief of his family and friends.”
Meanwhile, British Triathlon has confirmed the death of a member of its Age-Group team, but the name was not disclosed.
They also stated: “British Triathlon can confirm that one of our Age-Group Team has sadly passed away whilst competing at the World Championships in Torremolinos, Spain… Their family has been notified and we are supporting them at this time. British Triathlon and the Age-Group Team send their condolences and we request that their privacy be respected at this time.”
The Age-Group category comprises the non-professional triathletes who compete against other non-pros within a five-year age band. Each Age-Group race featured a 750m (around 0.47 miles) swim, a 20km (just over 12.4 miles) cycle and a 5km (3.1 miles) run.
The World Triathlon Championships are happening in the municipality of Torremolinos in southern Spain, with more than 5.500 athletes competing– 4,000 being Age-Group racers. Moreover, seventy-nine countries are being represented across the championships.
Source: CNN