Athlete dies during swim section of Swansea Triathlon

A 61 year-old man died while taking part in a triathlon in Swansea, South Wales Police have said.

The athlete died during the swim section of the event.

A spokesman said: “South Wales Police can confirm that a 61-year-old man who was participating in the Swansea Triathlon yesterday (Sunday) died. Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.”

Activity Wales Events, the race organisers, said it was “with heavy hearts” that it confirmed the death as it passed on its sympathies to the athlete’s family.

The Welsh Ambulance Service, which was supported by St John’s Ambulance, said it had been called out to a medical emergency in Swansea at approximately 9.15am.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Activity Events Wales said: “It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of an athlete during the swim section of today’s Triathlon.

“Our most sincere condolences go out to the family.

“We would like to thank the incredible efforts of the swim safety team, St John’s, Ambulance, the rapid response team, the police, volunteers and members of the public involved at the scene.”

Up to 1,500 people were entered in the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Swansea Triathlon which included a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5k run.

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called at approximately 9.15am to a medical emergency in Swansea.

“We sent a rapid response vehicle, an emergency ambulance, and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service. We were also supported by St John’s Ambulance.”