IRONMAN South Africa
A tri-athlete who competed in the IRONMAN 70.3 event in Mossel Bay over the weekend has died.
The news was confirmed by IRONMAN South Africa on Sunday.
In a brief post on their social media platforms, it said approximately 250 meters into the swim, water safety personnel extracted the athlete and medical personnel provided assistance.
The 52-year-old male athlete from South Africa, whose name is not yet known, died later in hospital.
IRONMAN South Africa said they were deeply saddened by the death and shared their greatest sympathies with family and friends.
The race was ultimately won by Spain's Javier Gomez.
Police Spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies says an autopsy will be conducted later this week to determine the exact cause of death.
An inquest docket has been opened.
In April 2019, two competitors who took part in the then Standard Bank Ironman Championships in Gqeberha died when they too had difficulty in the water.
This article was updated with comment from SAPS.
