- Mark Stokes tragically died after collapsing in the Costa del Sol triathlon
- A friend said he collapsed in the ‘finals’ of the competition
- Tributes from the world of athletics have arrived
A British athlete has died while competing in a triathlon on the Costa del Sol.
Mark Stokes, 57, collapsed while running during the competition in Torremolinos on Thursday.
He was one of two triathletes who died on the same day, the other being a 79-year-old Mexican identified as Roger Mas.
Engineering expert and consultant Mark, believed to have lived in Reading, Berkshire, was named as friends went public with their distress and paid tribute to him.
Fellow triathlete Tim Donnelly Smith, who had traveled to the Costa del Sol with Mark and shared an apartment with him, said in an agonizing social media post alongside a photo of the two of them at a previous event: “This week we’ve been in Torremolinos, Spain, for the World Triathlon Championships This is a race we both qualified for over a year ago, in Bournemouth, where we first met.
‘We have raced together and have kept in touch ever since.
Engineering expert and consultant Mark (pictured) died while running a marathon on the Costa del Sol
Tributes for the athlete were shared after his death
‘Here in Torremolinos we shared an apartment and traveled together. We were both very excited to be here: World Championship? Us? Yeah!
“Heartbreakingly, on Thursday afternoon, Mark collapsed in the final stages of the run leg of our race.
‘The doctors were unable to resuscitate him and the world changed in a split second for many people, almost all of whom he had never met.
‘I really wasn’t sure if (or how) to write this post. But I came to the conclusion that writing it and tagging Mark is probably the best (and only) way for me to send my condolences to all his family, friends, colleagues and triathlon relatives. I am very sorry for your loss. RIP, Marcos.’
World Triathlon, the international governing body for multiple disciplines including triathlon and duathlon, said in a statement earlier this week about the double tragedy during the event: “It is with deep sadness that we can report that two participants (one from Mexico; one from Great Britain) have died in the Torremolinos-Andalusia Age Group Distance Sprint Triathlon World Championship, which is being held today, October 17. Our deepest condolences go out to their respective families, friends, National Federations and the entire family of the rider. triathlon.
Mark (pictured, right) collapsed while running during the competition in Torremolinos on Thursday.
He was one of two triathletes who died on the same day.
‘World Triathlon, the Spanish Federation and the Local Organizing Committee are in contact with their families and FN to provide them with all the necessary support in these difficult and sad times.’
The 2024 Triathlon World Championship Finals began on Thursday in Torremolinos and ends today.
The Mexican Triathlon Federation stated in a statement after the death of Roger Mas: ‘It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Roger Man Colomer, 79 years old, during the World Triathlon Championships on the afternoon of Thursday, October 17 in Torremolinos.
“We are deeply sorry for this and share the pain of his family and friends.”
MailOnline has contacted the UK FCDO for comment.