A competitor in an ironman race on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has died of a suspected heart attack.
The 39-year-old man died during the swimming leg of the Ironman 70.3 race on Sunday morning.
Competitors swim 1.9km before cycling 90km and running 21.1km.
A spectator on the beach who noticed the man in trouble swam out to try and help but the swimmer was unresponsive when he reached him, the Courier Mail reports.
Paramedics performed CPR on the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ironman Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer said it is believed the man suffered a heart attack during the event.
“He was treated at the scene by water safety officers and qualified medical staff.”
“The medical team worked on the gentleman for over half an hour. He was pulled out of the water.”
“It was a tragic circumstance for all involved, with efforts now concentrated on supporting the family in this difficult time, as well as event personnel who were involved.”
Agencies/Canadajournal