Brendan Wall, 44, and Ivan Chittendon, died during the Ironman event
The two men who died in an unsanctioned Ironman race in Ireland have been pictured for the first time.
Tributes have poured in for Brendan Wall, 44, who lived in Solihull, who was recently engaged, and Ivan Chittendon, from Toronto, Canada.
Brendan died taking part in the swimming segment of the contest on Sunday in Co Cork, Ireland, and his funeral will take place in Meath.
It has since emerged Triathlon Ireland did not sanction the race due to ‘adverse conditions’ and it confirmed an investigation is underway.
The men competed in the half Ironman, a 70.3 mile half triathlon, which had been moved from Saturday to Sunday as a result of Storm Betty.
The event continued with a 90km cycle and a long-distance run.
A death notice posted online told how Mr Wall had been living in Solihull and was from Ireland.
The post said he died ‘tragically while competing in Ironman 70.3 Cork. Deeply regretted by his loving fiancé Tina’ and had a ‘large circle of friends’.
Brendan Wall was about to get married to his fiancé
Ivan Chittenden took part in several endurance challenges around the world
Mr Wall got engaged earlier this year and shared the happy news on social media.
Mr Chittendon also died in a tragic medical emergency during the swimming event.
A friend Jim Shembri said: ‘I’m not sure how my first ride without you will go. I will have an espresso and ginger cookie in your memory though. I’ll never forget you my friend.’
Phil Harris, a competitor from Co Down, said his thoughts and prayers are with the families of the men.
He said: ‘The weather conditions changed quite quickly whenever we were getting into the water. It wasn’t so bad once you got through the waves.’
Darren Coombes, from Triathlon Ireland, said: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Ivan’s and Brendan’s loved ones. The triathlon community is a very close community and this loss has had a devastating effect on all of us.
The two men were removed from the water by emergency services at the time of the incident (Picture: Cormac Delaney)
‘Triathlon Ireland is the national governing body for triathlon in Ireland, a role which includes providing sanction for club and commercial races to proceed.
‘In our almost 40-year history, the sport in Ireland has an impeccable safety record.
‘For the Ironman Cork event, in line with normal practice, Triathlon Ireland technical officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment.
‘Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland technical officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race.
‘As there is an investigation ongoing, at this stage it would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment only to state that Triathlon Ireland will provide any assistance that the authorities require.
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‘Finally, we reiterate our deepest condolences to the families of Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall.’
Cork County Council extended sympathies to the families.
‘Cork County Council is deeply saddened over the tragic loss of two race participants during the Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023 event in Youghal,’ it said.
‘Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the athletes at this incredibly difficult time.
‘Our thoughts are with those who have been affected and we are currently offering every assistance required to the Ironman Group and all those impacted.
‘We wish to express our gratitude to the response agencies involved, including our dedicated fire and emergency personnel, for their unwavering efforts during this difficult time.’
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Triathlon Ireland found the race was ‘unsanctioned’.