New research throws light on triathlon-related deaths (TRDs) in the UK. Triathlon has gained a lot of popularity in the UK; however, several deaths have occurred in participants in recent years.
Researchers identified TRDs in the UK and among UK citizens competing in triathlons abroad using an online search strategy.
Between 2009 and 2015, 920,551 individuals participated in British Triathlon-sanctioned events, and five TRDs were reported during this time. This translates to a mortality rate of 0.5 per 100,000 participants. None of the deaths was due to trauma, and three of the five deaths occurred during or after swimming. Additionally, five deaths were reported during the same period among UK triathletes participating abroad. Underlying cardiovascular pathology was reported as an etiological or contributory factor in half of the deaths.
Writing in the journal Wilderness andEnvironmental Medicine, the authors commented: "Further research is needed to determine the underlying cardiac pathology that triggers TRD. With this information, it may be possible to develop a screening tool that can prevent fatalities from occurring in the future.”
