28 May 2023 , 18:56
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An athlete died this afternoon in front of horrified witnesses while taking part in the swimming section of a triathlon.
Organisers of the Swansea Triathlon shared the tragic news as they described how South Wales Police, Wales Ambulance Service, St John's Ambulance, the swim safety team, the rapid response team, volunteers and members of the public attempted to help at the scene.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David Swansea Triathlon is one of the leading one-day, sprint distance triathlons in the country.
A statement from Activity Events Wales read: "It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of an athlete during the swim section of today’s Triathlon. Our most sincere condolences go out to the family.
"We would like to thank the incredible efforts of the swim safety team, St John’s, Ambulance, the rapid response team, the police, volunteers and members of the public involved at the scene."
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The male swimmer is feared to have drowned during the 750m swim (john bristow/WALES NEWS SERVICE)Many shared their condolences online after hearing about the death, WalesOnline reported.
One wrote: "This is awful news. Condolences to all the family of the athlete concerned, and thoughts with all the support crew who no doubt gave their all to help."
Another added: "I’m saddened to hear this terrible news thoughts are with family and friends of the athlete", and Mary-Jayne Granville wrote: "So sad sending my condolences to the family and their friends at this difficult time."
Around 1,500 people were expected to take part in the event today, which included a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5k run.
It got underway at 8am and the last athlete was expected to complete the event at 11am.
A similar tragedy took place back in June 2019, when Wil Sern Ong, 21, collapsed metres from the finish line in the Swansea Half Marathon and later died in hospital. Mr Ong was from Malaysia and studying environmental engineering at the city's university.