The results of a USA Triathlon (USAT) analysis of fatalities at triathlon events in recent years will shortly be unveiled to the wider triathlon community. National governing body USAT has recently released the following update on the latest developments undertaken by this medical panel:
USA Triathlon recently took a leadership role in the endurance sports community and formed a medical panel comprised of three nationally respected physicians — led by Dr Lawrence Creswell, Specialist in Cardiac Surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center — and two highly regarded USA Triathlon-certified race directors to examine fatalities which occurred during USA Triathlon-sanctioned events in recent years.
Their charge was to carefully review all available data and information pertaining to these fatalities; assess any potential commonalities and/or differences; and consider any possible future implications for the sport resulting through these findings.
The medical panel’s preliminary report has been generated. The next step in the process is to share the preliminary report with a larger working group of leaders from within and outside the multisport industry, including a wide range of medical professionals, race directors, athletes, etc. This working group will utilize the information presented, as well as their diverse expertise, to recommend any potential changes in best practices, competitive rules and sanction policies.
USA Triathlon will disseminate final conclusions upon completion of this thorough process.
