Let’s start with the facts about the deaths at the New York City Triathlon. At around 6 o’clock on the morning of August 7, approximately 3,800 athletes jumped into the Hudson River at a rate of 20 athletes every 10 seconds. There was a 20-minute break, after which a second wave of swimmers entered the water. They swam 1500 meters with the current in choppy, 77-degree water. About halfway through the swim, 64-year old Michael Kudryk was found unconscious and pulled from the water, the victim of a heart attack. At roughly the same point, 40-year-old Amy Martich, was pulled out of the water unconscious. She was unresponsive and later died at a New York City hospital. The cause of death was a cardiac arrhythmia.
These deaths led Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer to issue a statement the day after the race calling for an exhaustive review of NYC Triathlon safety. “New York signed up for a triathlon, not a game of Russian Roulette,” he said.
The statement was a political move according to NYC Triathlon organizer John Korff. “He gave it his best shot to see if the issue had any traction,” said Korff. “He probably got 100 letters from our athletes telling him he didn’t know what he was talking about and it went away.”
Still, both Korff and USA Triathlon began to re-evaluate safety protocols in response to the recent fatalities, which were followed by a death during the swim at Ironman Louisville and another at a sprint triathlon in Maine. USA Triathlon created a five-member medical panel in October to present new safety recommendations at their annual Race Director Symposium in January.
Some think the increase in deaths is a natural result of the increase in triathlon participants. “I really don’t think there’s anything particularly unusual about what happened in New York,” said Dr. Franklin Marcus, a cardiac anesthesiologist and former medical director of the Ironman World Championship. “It’s a numbers game. There’s an increase in people participating and the total number of fatalities per participants is staying roughly the same.”
About 798,000 people participated in a road triathlon in 2007, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. In 2010, participation had more than doubled to 1.9 million people. Triathletes, according to a study published in 2010 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, die at events at a rate of 1.5 per 100,000 participants. Through news reports, Outside counted 6 deaths in U.S. triathlons this year. USA Triathlon could not confirm that number, or the number of people who have participated in a triathlon so far this year, as they do not maintain a database with comprehensive records for the sport.
The results from the 2010 study, which surveyed 2971 events between 2006 and 2008, determined that 13 of the 14 deaths that occurred during that time happened during the swim. Drowning was declared the cause of each of those deaths, but of the nine bodies autopsied, seven had cardiovascular abnormalities.
“It’s the least forgiving of all three events,” Marcus said. “If something happens on the bike or run, you just pull over. In the water, you can’t be seen as well by race organizers.”
Comments
Honestly, we are freaking out about things. People die. If they choose to participate in something that has an inherent risk and are not prepared for it, then we create safety nets so people can continue to have a lower and lower degree of preparedness. We're lowering the amount of risk involved in everything, so when somebody dies we freak out about. No, death is not good. I wouldn't probably appreciate someone saying this if someone in my family died. But I know when I go out for thirty mile runs in the mountains with little water, and just shorts I know what I am getting myself into, and I am willing to take the risk. I know what I can handle. But saying what can we do, when some of these people are underprepared, or just die of natural causes, it is cheapening the participation and the goal of sport.
Flag ThisHonestly, we are freaking out about things. People die. If they choose to participate in something that has an inherent risk and are not prepared for it, then we create safety nets so people can continue to have a lower and lower degree of preparedness. We're lowering the amount of risk involved in everything, so when somebody dies we freak out about. No, death is not good. I wouldn't probably appreciate someone saying this if someone in my family died. But I know when I go out for thirty mile runs in the mountains with little water, and just shorts I know what I am getting myself into, and I am willing to take the risk. I know what I can handle. But saying what can we do, when some of these people are underprepared, or just die of natural causes, it is cheapening the participation and the goal of sport.
Flag ThisPreach it, Spencer.
Flag ThisPreach it, Spencer.
Flag ThisYeah, I think most people that get into the sport love it despite the risks. Hey, if I die doing something I love then thats not a bad way to go. I mean look at that professional swimmer who died last year at the world championships...if it can happen to someone who swims for a living then it can happen to anyone so it doesnt matter how careful USAT is or if someone does a certification swim or not, sometimes things happen we cant control and its just our time to go. Im pretty sure everyone signs a waiver accepting the risks before any triathlon. Im not saying that this gives USAT a free pass but I think they have done everything they can to make events as safe as possible.
Flag ThisTellin' it like it is Spencer. If I'm swimming or running or cycling and my heart blows up, guess what everyone, I CHOSE to lace 'em up that day and left the building doing what I loved to do. Everyone needs to celebrate these people for their dedication to a great sport. I'm all for greater safety if possible, but stepping outside your home has inherent risks. To all the familiies whom have ever lost a loved one, blessings to you. May your heart be full of love.
Flag ThisI'm not sure the best reaction to this situation is, "people die." I highly doubt that is comforting to the families, nor is it really all that intelligent of a statement. Really??? People die? As the article states, it doesn't appear that there is actually anything alarming going on, but I see no reason not to investigate the issue further.
Flag ThisI stopped doing Ironman because everyone in their mother is out there now. The race has been dumbed down with all the high tech crap and it is no longer a challenge to be out there with weekend warriors on $10k bikes. I stick to trail running remote 50 or so people races....and everyone lives to tell about it!!
Flag ThisI stopped doing Ironman because everyone in their mother is out there now. The race has been dumbed down with all the high tech crap and it is no longer a challenge to be out there with weekend warriors on $10k bikes. I stick to trail running remote 50 or so people races....and everyone lives to tell about it!!
Flag ThisI'm not sure that looking for athletes who appear "panicked" or are wearing new wetsuits would be helpful at all. Of the athletes dying of heart conditions at these events, has anyone looked at how many of them are newbies or end-of-the-pack swimmers? When I first started in tris, I was very slow, scared and at the end of the pack. So I stayed on the outside lane and either paused or flipped over on my back when I started to freak out. No problem. From what I know from reported deaths in running races, it seems that the people most in danger are the ones somewhere in the top half of the group who are pushing themselves for a PR or a qualifying time for another event, and have an undiagnosed heart issue. If USAT is seeking a more preventative approach, they should provide more information about the body of water for each of of their events, e.g., based on historical info is the water choppy? Are you swimming with the current? Is it a fast current? Is it fresh or salt water? What is the average water temp for that date? Maybe they can also sponsor more open-water training sessions for athletes who live in cities like New York, and don't have much access to open water to get ready for the tris, because really the best way to get ready for a swim in the Hudson is a swim in the Hudson.
Flag ThisI'm not sure that looking for athletes who appear "panicked" or are wearing new wetsuits would be helpful at all. Of the athletes dying of heart conditions at these events, has anyone looked at how many of them are newbies or end-of-the-pack swimmers? When I first started in tris, I was very slow, scared and at the end of the pack. So I stayed on the outside lane and either paused or flipped over on my back when I started to freak out. No problem. From what I know from reported deaths in running races, it seems that the people most in danger are the ones somewhere in the top half of the group who are pushing themselves for a PR or a qualifying time for another event, and have an undiagnosed heart issue. If USAT is seeking a more preventative approach, they should provide more information about the body of water for each of of their events, e.g., based on historical info is the water choppy? Are you swimming with the current? Is it a fast current? Is it fresh or salt water? What is the average water temp for that date? Maybe they can also sponsor more open-water training sessions for athletes who live in cities like New York, and don't have much access to open water to get ready for the tris, because really the best way to get ready for a swim in the Hudson is a swim in the Hudson.
Flag ThisIt is a numbers game, but you have to look into those numbers in order for the sport to protect itself and its participants. By definition, as it grows, the more first timers take to the races, many of whom are one-off participants raising money for Charities and undertaking 'fast-track' training plans of dubious quality in some cases. In my opinion the major factors behind the deaths are lack of preparedness - specifically lack of open water swim practice and ego: who wants to be seen to put their hand up and seek out the safety of a kayak mid-race ? As a non-swimmer who has gone from being plucked out of the Atlnatic off Portugal by search and resuce to a 3-time IM participant, I believe the easiest way to maximise support and confidence is to have a separate wave for anxious swimmers. Sure, they could still have a heart attack but no-one can predict that. But, you can create an environment where peer pressure is minimised, extra support is provided and the chances of identifying a swimmer in trouble are greater, thus resulting in a faster route to potentially life-saving treatment if necessary. When the alternative is death - this is a no brainer in my mind and no amount of 'inconvenience' to event organisers or fellow competitors can trump this, surely ?
Flag ThisI both love and hate jumping into a controversy like this. My chance to explain risk vs. benefit to everyone as opposed to letting everyone know that they are at risk simply by stepping outside their homes. My hope is that we can provide safety for those who will benefit from it, that we will provide the real experience of what risk is involved and that we will offer the reality of each experience to each person willing to take the risk. My hope is that each time our participants set foot forward, then they will know that we will do our best to catch them at their weakest, most vulnerable moment. This is all we can do, there is no other choice - competiiors will risk themselves, we will try and offer protection but there is no way to guarantee the outcome - we have given up our surety and our ability to predict. Simply give of yourselves, make the event as safe as you can, but don't give up everything in order to create a safety net that is impenetrable. No one will look at you or your contribution in any way less than what you offer. Jeff
Flag This"USA Triathlon could not confirm that number, or the number of people who have participated in a triathlon so far this year, as they do not maintain a database with comprehensive records for the sport." Then just exactly what are they doing?
Flag This"USA Triathlon could not confirm that number, or the number of people who have participated in a triathlon so far this year, as they do not maintain a database with comprehensive records for the sport." Then just exactly what are they doing?
Flag ThisI've been "participating" in triathlons for a couple of years now & out of (6) events, I've had to make that "walk of shame" twice. The problem for me has been, training exclusively in the pool, which allows you to reach the other side, touch, turn & push off & swim back to the other side. So, when I swim competively in open water, what concerns me, is not being able to stop, unless you tread or flip-over. However, when I'm swimming in my wetsuit, I gain an added sense of security because of the buoyancy. Not only that, I have no shame in holding onto a kayak or buoy until I get myself together. I think it's important that the organizers stress the importance of stopping, if necessary to regroup, so that you can monitor your body & reduce the stress of the open water swim. For the record, I'm more comfortable & I've gotten alot better in openwater.
Flag ThisI've been "participating" in triathlons for a couple of years now & out of (6) events, I've had to make that "walk of shame" twice. The problem for me has been, training exclusively in the pool, which allows you to reach the other side, touch, turn & push off & swim back to the other side. So, when I swim competively in open water, what concerns me, is not being able to stop, unless you tread or flip-over. However, when I'm swimming in my wetsuit, I gain an added sense of security because of the buoyancy. Not only that, I have no shame in holding onto a kayak or buoy until I get myself together. I think it's important that the organizers stress the importance of stopping, if necessary to regroup, so that you can monitor your body & reduce the stress of the open water swim. For the record, I'm more comfortable & I've gotten alot better in openwater.
Flag ThisDJ nicely highlights the point in my earlier post - pools provide a 'crutch' that is virtually non-existent in open water - I say virtually because a buoy or kayak are substitutes, but rarely a few strokes away when you need them most. At least DJ is smart enough to realize grabbing one is the thing to do - I know many triathletes who stil think the will be disqualified for holding on to one. I'd like to elaborate on another point DJ raises, that of wetsuits. I've raced nine times this year and at two races I had a newbie ask me "is it suppose to feel this tight - I can hardly breathe" - on both occasions this was minutes before enting the water. Proper wetsuit fit is hugely important but subjective too. Ensuring you can swim in several before purchasing is key - perhaps mandatory going forward - in my view as we all know that a poor fitting wetsui on an anxious swimmer simply accelerates hyperventilating, stress, etc. Seconds count in the water if you are in trouble so I believe the is crucial important. Anyone notice how we read so much about bike fit but less about wet suit fit ? Ultimately, I believe wetsuits are a curse in anything other than dangerously cold water - proper swim technique, feel for the water and confidence in open water trump a wetsuit any day.
Flag ThisSince I have a forum in which to share, I'd like to add an additional comment. I'm muscular (thick muscles that allow me to lift 350+ lbs on the bench), with low body fat that makes it almots impossible for me to float. Trust me, I've taken swimming in college & I've had private coaches & for whatever reason, I don't float... I'm even a Master Scuba Diver. However, my wife can lay on the water & read a book, seriously. Having said that, I've spent the last 2-3yrs learning to swim efficiently & confidently, despite my physiology. So, when I first decided to swim open water in a sprint triathlon, I managed about 100yds before my confidence dropped & panic set in. My next race was wetsuit legal & I had a blast! I was calm, collected & buoyant! When Steve spoke about a "too tight" wetsuit, I could definitely relate because I had to send a Xterra Vendatta wetsuit back for a "larger" one! So, If anyone can sign up & do a triathlon, then the organizers need more safety options in place for the ignorant & for those who may not realize they're in trouble well before they enter the water... Thank you & Tri hard!
Flag ThisSince I have a forum in which to share, I'd like to add an additional comment. I'm muscular (thick muscles that allow me to lift 350+ lbs on the bench), with low body fat that makes it almots impossible for me to float. Trust me, I've taken swimming in college & I've had private coaches & for whatever reason, I don't float... I'm even a Master Scuba Diver. However, my wife can lay on the water & read a book, seriously. Having said that, I've spent the last 2-3yrs learning to swim efficiently & confidently, despite my physiology. So, when I first decided to swim open water in a sprint triathlon, I managed about 100yds before my confidence dropped & panic set in. My next race was wetsuit legal & I had a blast! I was calm, collected & buoyant! When Steve spoke about a "too tight" wetsuit, I could definitely relate because I had to send a Xterra Vendatta wetsuit back for a "larger" one! So, If anyone can sign up & do a triathlon, then the organizers need more safety options in place for the ignorant & for those who may not realize they're in trouble well before they enter the water... Thank you & Tri hard!
Flag This