Two men die during Ironman triathlon in Ireland: How risky is the competition?

Ironman Triathlon: The men got into difficulty in separate incidents during the swimming leg of the race in Youghal, Co. Cork.

Two men died at an Ironman competition in Ireland. They were removed from the water by emergency services but pronounced dead at the scene, police informed. The men were in their 40s and 60s. They got into difficulty in separate incidents during the swimming leg of the race in Youghal, Co. Cork, police said adding that they are investigating and the coroner has been notified.

Ironman Competition: Two men died at an Ironman competition in Ireland. (Representational)

The event had been postponed from Saturday due to flooding and bad course conditions after Storm Betty. Cork County Council said in a statement that it is "deeply saddened over the tragic loss of two race participants during the Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023 event in Youghal today. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the athletes at this incredibly difficult time."

What the event organisers said?

In a statement, the event organisers said, “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of two race participants at the Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023. During the swim portion of Sunday's race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention upon recognising the athletes were in need of assistance.”

The Ironman competition consisted of a 1.9 kilometre swim in Youghal Bay, a 90km bike course and a 21.1km run. The swim had already been cut from 3.8km due to poor weather conditions this year.