Two men die suddenly in Ironman during major triathlon event
Two men have sadly lost their lives after being involved in an Ironman event in Co Cork, Ireland, this morning.
For those unaware, an Ironman is a popular triathlon event that involves a series of long-distance races over a total of 140.6 miles.
And while many thousands enjoy them, unfortunately there has been a tragedy in one of the events on Sunday (20 August).
The two men who have tragically died were involved in separate incidents during the swimming segment of the race held in Youghal.
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The men, one in his 40s and the other in his 60s, were pulled from the water by emergency services in a bid to rescue them.
But tragically, they were both pronounced dead shortly after by medical personnel.
It is believed that one of the men is said to have suffered a medical emergency in the harbour at the end of the triathlon's swimming leg.
Gardai - the national police service of Ireland - believes there is nothing suspicious about these deaths and are treating them as a tragic accident.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Gardai and emergency services are currently attending the scene of an incident in Youghal Co. Cork where two men have died at a sporting event this morning.
"Two men, aged 40s and 60s, were removed from the water by emergency services.
"They were pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The coroner has been notified.
"The organisers had decided to move the swim course further into the harbour and shorten it because of bad weather conditions."
While a police investigation is ongoing, the triathlon event is set to continue despite the two tragedies.
The event organisers said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of two race participants at the IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023.
"During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention upon recognising the athletes were in need of assistance.
"We share our greatest sympathies with the families and friends of the athletes and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.
"We thank the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical assistance."
Callum Jones