Triathalon swim deaths 2008 rising. What is going on?
Former Member
What is going on and why are autopsys coming back "cause of death unknown." The numbers are concerning, but the lack of explanation is really bothering me. It makes me feel as if something is being hidden. We have come a long way with CT scans, PET scans, x-rays, serum chemical analysis. I don't buy "cause of death unknown" with modern day capabilities.
TriChica, you bring up a great example of a potential cause of death... overheating due to wetsuit. I don't know the conditions of the deaths of the 7 people so far, but having swum in wetsuits for OW swim-only events, they could very well be a contributing factor.
Not to sound unsympathetic, but if these athletes are swimming in wetsuits when it is hotter than Hades in (and out of) the water, they're asking for it. I believe the max temperature where wetsuits are allowed is 84. If it is hot, humid, and the sun is beating down on you, why would you strap on a non-breathable extra 1/8" layer of insulation? You're cooking yourself like a hot sausage in there. The USMS 2mi Cable Champs were held in 84 degree water... I was cooking in there - I can't imagine wearing a wetsuit too.
With so many triathlons taking place in the summertime, the rubber is truly unnecessary in a lot of races (I understand the water was ~70 last week for the Lake Placid IronMan - totally understandable to wear rubber there). USAT is partly to blame with their temperature guidelines, but race directors need to step up and encourage people to be practical and to take them off when the water is in the 78-84 "wetsuit optional" range.
TriChica, you bring up a great example of a potential cause of death... overheating due to wetsuit. I don't know the conditions of the deaths of the 7 people so far, but having swum in wetsuits for OW swim-only events, they could very well be a contributing factor.
Not to sound unsympathetic, but if these athletes are swimming in wetsuits when it is hotter than Hades in (and out of) the water, they're asking for it. I believe the max temperature where wetsuits are allowed is 84. If it is hot, humid, and the sun is beating down on you, why would you strap on a non-breathable extra 1/8" layer of insulation? You're cooking yourself like a hot sausage in there. The USMS 2mi Cable Champs were held in 84 degree water... I was cooking in there - I can't imagine wearing a wetsuit too.
With so many triathlons taking place in the summertime, the rubber is truly unnecessary in a lot of races (I understand the water was ~70 last week for the Lake Placid IronMan - totally understandable to wear rubber there). USAT is partly to blame with their temperature guidelines, but race directors need to step up and encourage people to be practical and to take them off when the water is in the 78-84 "wetsuit optional" range.
