Abnormal Symptoms Detected During Swimming Test
One Day Before Amateur Race
At the '2025 Tongyeong World Triathlon Cup' held on November 15, a participant in his 40s from the amateur division died during a swimming test, prompting the organizers to cancel the entire event schedule.
The Korea Triathlon Federation posted a notice on its website following the incident, announcing the cancellation of the event. The federation stated, "We express our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of a precious life during the beginner swimming test," and added, "We pray for the deceased and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family."
The federation continued, "We take this accident extremely seriously and are swiftly implementing all necessary measures to ensure participant safety," and further stated, "We regret to inform you that the event has been completely canceled out of necessity, and we sincerely ask for the understanding of all athletes and officials."
The Tongyeong city government also sent safety alert messages to citizens to inform them of the event's cancellation.
The event officially began the previous day with official training sessions, and the elite race featuring top athletes from around the world was held on the day of the incident. The amateur race, in which domestic amateur athletes were scheduled to participate, was planned for November 16.
On the day of the incident, after the elite race concluded safely, a swimming test for first-time amateur participants was being conducted ahead of the next day's amateur race. During this process, at around 2:35 p.m., Mr. A, a participant in his 40s in the amateur division, was observed showing abnormal physical symptoms while taking the swimming test in the waters in front of the Triathlon Plaza in Donam-dong, Tongyeong. Rescue personnel brought Mr. A out of the water and transported him to the hospital via a private ambulance, but he was pronounced dead.
The Tongyeong Coast Guard plans to investigate the exact circumstances of the accident.
This triathlon event, which combines running, swimming, and cycling, is an official international competition approved by World Triathlon (WT).
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