Man Dies at Age 51 After 'Medical Emergency' During Ironman Swim Race in Wisconsin

Organizers for an Ironman event in Madison, Wisconsin, announced one competitor died as the result of a "medical emergency" during an event last Saturday.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the athlete's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time," the organizers said on Facebook. "Out of respect for the family and the athlete's privacy, we will have no further comment."

Madison Fire Department spokesperson Cynthia Schuster told The Athletic's Devon Henderson the man, 51, was pulled from the water while competing in the swimming portion of the triathlon on Lake Monona.

The man didn't have a pulse when emergency personnel treated him on the shore, and they attempted life-saving procedures while transporting him to a nearby hospital.

Schuster said it was unclear why the man was initially unresponsive.

An Ironman 70.3 event is split between three parts. Athletes have to swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles.