A scene from the 2024 Tongyeong World Triathlon Cup women's elite race. Provided by Tongyeong City

‘2025 Tongyeong World Triathlon Cup’ On the first day of competition, the 15th, an amateur in his 40s died during a swim test due to a health problem, and the event was canceled in its entirety.

The Korea Triathlon Federation posted a notice on its website announcing the cancellation and stated, “We express our deep condolences over the loss of a precious life in an unfortunate accident that occurred during a beginner swim test,” and, “We pray for the deceased and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.”

The federation continued, “We take this accident very seriously and are swiftly implementing all measures to ensure participant safety,” and added, “We regret to inform you that the event has been inevitably canceled in its entirety, and we ask for the understanding of all participating athletes and officials.” Tongyeong City also notified citizens of the cancellation by sending a safety alert text message.

This event is an official international competition sanctioned by World Triathlon (WT) and opened the previous day. The elite race featuring elite athletes from around the world was held that day, and the amateur race for domestic amateur athletes was scheduled for the 16th.

After the elite race concluded that day, a swim test was conducted for the first group of amateur entrants. During this process, an amateur participant in his 40s, Mr. A, showed abnormal signs and was transported to a hospital but died. The Tongyeong Coast Guard plans to investigate the precise circumstances of the accident.