A 57-year-old female athlete from Saskatchewan was pronounced dead on arrival at Kelowna General Hospital following a cardiac arrest during the swim portion of today’s Kelowna Cherry Blossom Triathlon.
In a media release, event organizers said they’re “extremely sad” that despite the best efforts of all involved, the athlete, a member of a relay team, did not regain consciousness. Emergency medical assistance was required about 600 metres into the 700-metre swim at H2O Aquatic Centre.
“Reports indicate that the lifeguards were particularly expedient in both observing the issue and getting the athlete out of the water before performing initial care,” said Cherry Blossom co-director James Young. “Medical professionals were on the scene administering CPR prior to paramedics arriving.
“The organizers would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family and also pass on the many well wishes sent by fellow athletes at the race.”
About 280 triathletes took part in the third annual event.
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