In Ireland, two men were killed on Sunday during the swimming portion of an Ironman event. The organization had already shortened the swimming course due to the bad weather conditions.
Local authorities said they were “deeply saddened” at the tragic loss of the two participants in the event in Youghal, south west of Ireland. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, but was postponed a day due to the arrival of storm Betty.
According to Irish broadcaster RTE, the victims are two men in their mid-sixties and mid-forties. “Security personnel immediately provided medical assistance when they became aware that the athletes were in trouble,” organizer Ironman Ireland said in a statement on Facebook. Despite this, both men were pronounced dead at the scene, local media reported. Investigations must further reveal how the two died.
The men competed in a so-called half Ironman event, which also includes a 90-kilometer bike course and a 21.1-kilometer running course. Thousands of people participated.
Ireland has been plagued by strong winds and rain since Friday due to the arrival of storm Betty. 30,000 households have been without power since Saturday.
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