Very sad. I also buy into the theory that what is happening is the sport is increasing in popularity and the regulations for how the sport is governed are behind. People jump into Tri’s in a very similar manner to how they might get into a marathon. The problem is nothing can really prepare you for the swim other than doing it. Rivers like the Hudson can also sometimes be unforgiving. I’m all for increased regulation for people that are looking to do Olympic or 1/2 Iron Tri’s. If you aren’t tested there is no way to tell if you can handle a start that has people swimming on top of you and then on the longer swims(up to 2.5M) you need to have your breathing and heart in a good place. (via Triathlon Swimming Deaths | The Gist | OutsideOnline.com) Posted with Percolate
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Very sad. I also buy into the theory that what is happening is the sport is increasing in popularity and the regulations for how the sport is governed are behind. People jump into Tri’s in a very similar manner to how they might get into a marathon. The problem is nothing can really prepare you for the swim other than doing it. Rivers like the Hudson can also sometimes be unforgiving. I’m all for increased regulation for people that are looking to do Olympic or 1/2 Iron Tri’s. If you aren’t tested there is no way to tell if you can handle a start that has people swimming on top of you and then on the longer swims(up to 2.5M) you need to have your breathing and heart in a good place.

(via Triathlon Swimming Deaths | The Gist | OutsideOnline.com)

Posted with Percolate

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  1. caro said: The father of a childhood friend died during the swimming portion of a triathlon a few years ago. It was sad, but even the quotes about it in the paper indicated that he was unprepared for the whole thing.
  2. jamesgross posted this