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“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a male athlete in his 50’s who was competing today in the Olympic-Distance race at the 2012 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Burlington, Vt. The sport of triathlon lost a member of our beloved community today, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the athlete’s family and friends,” said USA Triathlon CEO Rob Urbach. “More information will be made available at the appropriate point, but right now we would like to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time.”

Follow-up to earlier statement regarding fatality today (Aug. 18) in the Olympic-Distance race at the 2012 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Burlington, Vt.:

Swim safety personnel spotted the athlete at approximately the three-quarter point of the swim course in Lake Champlain at 8:05 a.m. local time. He was immediately extracted from the water by a motorized rescue boat, where rescue personnel immediately administered CPR and treatment. The male athlete in his 50’s was transported to Fletcher Allen Healthcare hospital in Burlington, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

 About the Event: Athletes must qualify in order to compete in the Olympic-Distance race at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, where the field is comprised of the top 10% of all triathletes in the country. USA Triathlon currently hosts 13 National Championship events annually. This is the first athlete fatality at a USA Triathlon National Championship event in the 30-year history of the organization.