Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
LAPU-LAPU CITY — Tragedy struck in the 2017 Ironman 70.3 Philippines when a triathlete passed away during the gruelling race Sunday at Shangri-La Mactan here.
In a report by Cebu Daily News, the athlete, who was participating in the men’s 45-49 category, suddenly stopped on his tracks during the 1.9-kilometer swim course and was seen waving his hands, calling the attention of the race marshals who immediately swam to him.
The Philippine Red Cross identified the athlete as Eric Nadal Mediavillo, 47, from PMMA Multi Sport team.
Mediavillo was unconscious when he was brought to shore. Paramedics still tried to revive the triathlete before rushing him to Mactan Doctor’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival at 9:47 a.m.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our athletes following the Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of Sunday’s race and was properly transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated. Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we will continue to support,” the organizers said in a statement.
Sunrise Events founder Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said the organizers were still investigating the incident.
“We are still gathering information,” Uytengsu said.
The Ironman race in Cebu also had a casualty back in 2012. –With reports from Christian Orellano and Norman Mendoza