Triathlon participant dies during pre-race swim test in Tongyeong; event canceled
Participants race during last year’s Tongyeong World Triathlon Cup. Courtesy of Tongyeong City
A 40-year-old amateur triathlete died Saturday while taking part in a pre-race swim test ahead of the 2025 Tongyeong World Triathlon Cup, prompting organizers to cancel the event.
According to the Korea Triathlon Federation, the participant showed signs of distress during a swim safety assessment at around 2:35 p.m. in the waters off Triathlon Plaza in Donam-dong, Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province. He was pulled from the water by safety personnel and transferred to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
He was participating in a pre-race swim evaluation ahead of Sunday’s amateur competition. Tongyeong Coast Guard is investigating the exact cause of the incident.
Organizers promptly canceled the event following the tragedy. “We regret to announce that the competition has been entirely canceled,” the Korea Triathlon Federation said in a statement. “We express our deepest condolences over the loss of a precious life during a beginner swim test and are implementing all necessary safety measures.”
The international event, sanctioned by World Triathlon, had been set to feature both elite athletes and amateur participants, with official training beginning Friday. While the elite race took place earlier Saturday, the amateur portion was scheduled for Sunday following the swim test.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.