Ironman competition hit by tragedy as athlete, 31, dies during swim portion

A 31-year-old athlete tragically died after getting into difficulty during an Ironman competition in Wales.

The Ironman 70.3 was held in Swansea on Sunday, July 13. Three days later, it was announced an athlete had died in hospital after getting into difficulty nearly half-way through the swimming portion of the race. He has now been named by the coroner as Scottish man Sam Buchan.

Ironman Wales said at the time of their announcement: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of an athlete who competed in last weekend's Ironman 70.3 Swansea triathlon. Approximately half-way into the swim portion of the race, swim safety personnel noticed and responded to an athlete in difficulty."

READ MORE: Athlete dies after competing in gruelling British Ironman event

It added: "The athlete received immediate medical care while being taken via boat to a designated extraction point on the harbour, where further treatment was administered. The athlete was then transported to the hospital where they continued to receive treatment, but sadly passed today."

Their post continued: "Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the athlete. We will continue to offer them our support and keep them in our thoughts as they go through this challenging time.

"We are deeply grateful to the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical assistance." Thousands of people take part in Swansea Ironman 70.3 every year.

Competitors embark on a 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim at the Prince of Wales Dock, followed by a single-loop 56-mile (90km) bike ride. The cycling route takes athletes through Mumbles and along the coastal clifftops of Gower, before heading out into rural Swansea and then back along Swansea Bay into the city.

They then return to Swansea, preparing for transition in the Maritime Quarter next to the River Tawe. Finally, participants tackle a 13.1-mile (21.1km) two-loop run course that leads them from the city centre, past Swansea Arena, towards Mumbles and then back to the finish line at the marina.

Sam is the youngest Ironman competitor to have died in two year period that has seen four deaths, Wales Online reported. In 2023, 61-year-old grandfather Andrew Ireland drowned during the 750ft swim in the first section of the gruelling three-part race.

That same year, two men died while taking part in an Ironman triathlon event in Co Cork, Ireland. Both men, one in his 60s and the other in his 60s, died in separate incidents during the swimming segment of the competition, held in Youghal.