FORT LEE, N.J. (AP) — An athlete competing in the Ironman U.S. Championship in the river between New York City and New Jersey has died after having a medical problem during the swimming portion of the grueling triathlon.
A publicist for the race organizers says the competitor “experienced distress” during a 2.4-mile swim in the Hudson River at the start of the all-day competition.
The swimmer was taken to a hospital, but did not survive. The organizers say the cause of death is unknown. An autopsy is planned.
Contestants in the race were following their swim in the Hudson with a 112-mile bicycle ride through the suburbs, and then a 26.2-mile marathon that was to end at Manhattan’s Riverside Park.
