A competitor has died after being pulled from rough waters during a world-famous Ironman triathlon event.
The athlete was competing in the Busselton Ironman endurance race in Western Australia on Sunday when he required medical attention during the first swim leg of the grueling event.
Event organizers confirmed that the participant was rushed to hospital, but “has since passed away.”
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a participant in Sunday’s triathlon,” a statement from Ironman WA read.
‘The athlete required medical attention during the swimming portion of the race, and event medical staff provided support at the scene before transporting him to hospital.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to the athlete’s family, to whom we will continue to offer our support.
“We appreciate the quick work of the on-site medical and water safety staff who provided medical support to the athlete.”
More than 3,500 participants signed up for the 20th anniversary of the world-famous race to compete in a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run.
An athlete has died after suffering a medical issue during the swim leg of the world-famous Busselton Ironman endurance race (pictured) in WA on Sunday.
Other competitors said the rough waters in Busselton Bay resulted in the “most difficult” stretch of swimming they had ever encountered.
More than half of the participants traveled from interstate or overseas to compete.
Shocked participants took to social media to share their condolences after the sad news broke.
“My heart and thoughts are with the Ironman athlete’s family,” former Ironman competitor turned commentator Pete Murray wrote on Facebook.
“What sad news for the Ironman family.”
Another said he was “sad to hear this, my heart goes out to the family.”
‘Never think this will happen to you, until it happens. Be careful people, take care of each other. The ocean can be a dangerous place,” they wrote.
Others who had competed in the event said the swimming leg of the event was “the most difficult” they had encountered after a regular wind cut the waters.
“(The) waves were so big that sometimes you couldn’t see the racing buoys,” wrote one competitor.
Another said “swimming conditions were very difficult.”
The event also hosted the Ironman 70.3, which covers half the distance of the full triathlon.