Full story:
www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../25369.asp
Excerpt:
Passages: Fran Crippen, 26 - FINA, USA Swimming Release Statements -- October 23, 2010
FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates, October 23. SHORTLY after the FINA Open Water 10K World Cup swim today in the UAE, United States swimmer Fran Crippen, 26, passed away after falling unconscious during the race.
With the water in the mid-to-high 80s, the competitors all finished and noticed that Crippen had not crossed the finish line. Meet management brought in deep sea divers, who found Crippen unconscious just before the final buoy nearly two hours later. He was transported to the Fujairah Hospital and later died according to information provided to Swimming World. Conflicting reports state that he was found dead on the course.
Crippen had shown signs of slowing down during the third lap of the five-lap race. When Crippen did not immediately finish, a fact noticed by teammate Alex Meyer who screamed for help, the competing swimmers rushed back into the water to help with the search.
Information provided to Swimming World demonstrates that the water was likely too hot for the event as several swimmers were treated for heat exhaustion after the race....
One of the main parts of competitive swimming (pool or ow) is PUSHING yourself!!!!!!! I don't see how the race director/organizer can absolve himself from blame by saying Fran died from pushing himself too hard. That is total bull.
Athlete push themselves hard all the time!!! There needs to be lifeguards in boats/jet ski's all over the course watching the swimmers and able to respond to anyone in trouble at the drop of a hat.
I always thought I was paying for that service with my entry fee.
One of the main parts of competitive swimming (pool or ow) is PUSHING yourself!!!!!!! I don't see how the race director/organizer can absolve himself from blame by saying Fran died from pushing himself too hard. That is total bull.
Athlete push themselves hard all the time!!! There needs to be lifeguards in boats/jet ski's all over the course watching the swimmers and able to respond to anyone in trouble at the drop of a hat.
I always thought I was paying for that service with my entry fee.
