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The NY Times reports that a 32-year-old man died during the NYC Triathlon. The man, an amateur competitor, was about three-quarters of the way done with the 0.93 mile swimming leg (which is before the 24.8 mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run) when he was pulled out of the Hudson River while unconscious. An autopsy will be conducted. The Times also mentioned that the heat and humidity--and stinging jellyfish--taxed the competitors.
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That really sucks..... I am surprised there are jelly fish in the Hudson.... also that the swimmers don't wear wet suits in that water....
Condolences to the family.....
Oh, yes, last time I walked along the Hudson and looked down into the water I could not believe the number of jellyfish I saw! They were everywhere! I'm really surprised, if not dismayed that they conducted the triathalon in those conditions.
It's a triathlon. It's supposed to be grueling. And real.
Otherwise the contest would be doing laps in a YMCA pool, followed by some stationary biking, and finally, a run on a treadmill.
But it isn't. And it should be no surprise that people die doing this.
Grueling does not mean life threatening. Triathletes are very fit and rarely die when competing, so, yes, it is a surprise when it happens. We don't yet know what caused this person's death, but it is not out of the question that the extreme weather conditions contributed to it.
This athletes death is a horrible tragedy and my most heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. But without knowing the outcome of an autopsy you cannot blame his death on the jellyfish or the race directors.
Most people were wearing wetsuits today. Due to the water temperature they were legal for everyone except the pros. It gives you a bit of an advantage during a swim as you are more buoyant and aerodynamic in the water.
You are advised when you sign up, when you pick up your packet and race number and when you get your USAT card that triathlons are extreme tests of fitness and therefore possess certain inherent dangers both known and unknown of possible injury and even death.
Every athlete today was an adult and capable of making their own decision if they wanted to swim in the river or not. But people trained for months and some traveled hundred some even thousands of miles for this race and if they had decided to cancel the event due to some jellyfish in the river, they would have had some very upset and disappointed people. Jellyfish are not known to be deadly, the stings that I received today were less painful than bee stings and left no marks. I would describe them as temporary discomfort, but would do it again tomorrow, as the event was a world class event, an incredible experience and a chance for me and many other athletes from all over the world to see your city from a whole new perspective.
Unfortunately people die everyday from all kinds of freak accidents, but when it is during a triathlon it tends to make news.
Next time you dive in to the Hudson don't forget to rub up well it might save your life...
The Hudson River sure is deadly. Here I though the worst the Hudson had to offer was PCBs.
Much more likely that he died of a heart attack. Amateur athelete engaging in some serious physical exertion. While it might be sad, I wouldn't qualify it as a "horrible tragedy." If you engage in this kind of physically challenging event, you inherently assume the risk that the activity could result in injury or death, which is why they always require you to sign a waiver to compete.
PCB/s are buried in the mud and not a threat. the jellyfish are because the hudson is salt water down on this end.
this is terribly sad.
However, I don't beleive that his death was related to jelly fish. if that were the case, there would have been quite a few other deaths. I think this is a case where an undiagnosed heart condition reared it's head at a very high-profile moment of extreme physical exertion. I don't mean to sound glib, but it happens.
I remember a few years ago on the MS Ride, about 10 minutes into the 60+ mile ride, a cyclist, who apparently had been in very good shape, collapsed on the FDR from a heart attack. It was terrible.
When you undertake these kinds of physical challenges, you have to understand that these things COULD happen. If someone can't accept that risk, then that person probably shouldn't be pushing their bodies so hard. Bodies can only handle to much and sometimes heart conditions can hide.
i was in the race and in the water that morning. It was the 5th time i did that race and never saw a jelly fish . But , trust me, maybe some people didnt get it that bad, a lot of people did. i was stung at least ten times, and one surrounded my whole face and got me good. the pain was intense and lasted about an hour. But i finished the whole race. IF nextyear they are out there I and many people would not go in the water. The race director was quoted as knowing there was a problem but did not think it was important to tell anyone over the PA. Bad decision. He should have at least warned everyone. Many people could have had known allergies. The athlete who died, could have easily went into shock or something after getting stung.