Two triathletes die in swim at Ironman Ireland
Both athletes got into trouble on the swim as national governing body says it did not sanction the race due to "adverse conditions on the day" – although Ironman disputes its version of events
Tragedy hit Ironman Ireland in County Cork on Sunday when two triathletes lost their lives in the swim leg of the event.
Triathlon Ireland has since said it did not sanction the swim race due to “adverse conditions on the day”. However, race organisers Ironman – who work with the national federation to put on the event – claiming it had no knowledge of Triathlon Ireland’s stance until several hours after the swim was completed.
The Ironman 70.3 was originally scheduled for Saturday in the town of Youghal on Ireland’s south coast, with the full distance race taking place the following day.
But due to flooding and debris on the course in the aftermath of Storm Betty, both races instead took place on Sunday, with the swim distances shortened.
Ivan Chittenden, 65, from Toronto, Canada and Brendan Wall, 44, originally from Meath in Ireland but living in Solihull, have been named as the two triathletes who died. The swimmers were removed from the water by safety personnel, but were pronounced dead at the scene.
Darren Coombes, CEO Triathlon Ireland, released a statement saying: “Triathlon Ireland is reeling from the news that Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall, athletes in the Ironman Cork event in Youghal, tragically died yesterday morning while participating in the race.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ivan’s and Brendan’s loved ones. The triathlon community is a very close community and this loss has had a devastating effect on all of us.
“Triathlon Ireland is the National Governing Body for triathlon in Ireland, a role which includes providing sanction for club and commercial races to proceed. In our almost 40 year history, the sport in Ireland has an impeccable safety record.
“For the Ironman Cork event, in line with normal practice, Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment. Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race.
“As there is an investigation ongoing, at this stage it would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment only to state that Triathlon Ireland will provide any assistance that the authorities require.
“Finally, we reiterate our deepest condolences to the families of Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall.”
Countering Triathlon Ireland’s version of event, Ironman released a statement saying: “First and foremost, our priority remains providing ongoing support and care to the athletes’ families as they go through this very difficult time.
“While Ironman events are physically challenging, the safety and security of athletes is the most important operational element for our events.
“Ironman has extensive and stringent, industry-leading safety guidelines and protocols, honed to the highest international standards, and implemented at events worldwide.
“Weather conditions for this past weekend were monitored carefully. On Saturday morning Ironman Ireland officials and swim safety experts declared the swim course unsuitable for racing and decided to reschedule the Ironman 70.3 triathlon for Sunday, alongside Ironman Ireland, Cork to provide a safer race for athletes.
“On the morning of Sunday, August 20, Ironman Ireland officials and the specific on-swim safety team carried out all standard safety protocol checks that are completed at every race and determined water conditions were safe for the swim to take place.
“While conditions were improved from Saturday, out of an abundance of safety, it was decided to shorten the swim course for both races.
“Ironman works in collaboration with national federations around the world as we organise over 150 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events annually. As such, federation representatives were present during the event and performed their duties. Several hours after the swim was completed, they communicated to the onsite Ironman Ireland officials that they would not approve the sanctioning for the event.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of the two athletes who passed.”
The swim start on Sunday morning was also delayed with subsequent videos emerging online of choppy conditions for the rolling start. There were further reports from participants saying the swim course was changed while athletes were in the water because of a worsening swell. There is an ongoing police investigation into the event.
Ironman Ireland is due to return to Youghal next year on August 11.
Tim Heming
Freelance triathlon journalist 
