ITU Cape Town 25-26 April 2015

[Red Zone]

I wonder if the water temperature played a role?

I don't like to speculate in these circumstances but I can recall doing a few ice cold swim tri's and struggling to breathe, amongst other things

Speculation sometimes is dangerous but I agree that water temp could play a role. 

 

I did it last year, not this year. The water temp is way below that which we triathletes are normally used to and it is a real shock to the system. I made sure that I spent some time in the water to acclimatize and was very prepared; mentally, physically and equipment wise for the cold. It was still a shock and a very tough swim due to the physical effects of the cold.

 

If someone isn't used to the physical realities of a triathlon swim, perhaps doesn't have a good (well fitting) suit or hoodie is a bit unfit then the cold could push you over the edge.

[wanderwoman]

From EWN "Event organiser Iain Banner said the athlete was not that far from finishing the race."

 

Another insensitive throw away line, unless he was in a team he still had the bike and run to complete.

 

And still no further information.

According to newspapers he was 70 years old and still on the swim.