Tributes have emerged for a British man who collapsed and tragically lost his life during a triathlon in the Costa del Sol.
Mark Stokes, 57, was among two competitors who suffered a cardiac arrest and died mere minutes apart while participating in the event in Torremolinos on Thursday.
The other individual has been identified locally as Roger Mas, a 79-year-old Mexican and an experienced triathlete.
The engineering professional and consultant Mark, believed to reside in Reading, Berkshire, was publicly identified today as friends expressed their sorrow.
Fellow triathlete Tim Donnelly Smith, who had traveled to the Costa del Sol with Mark and shared accommodations with him, expressed his grief in a poignant social media post alongside a photo of them from a prior event: ‘‘This week we have been in Torremolinos, Spain, for the World Triathlon Championships. It’s a race for which we both qualified over a year ago, in Bournemouth, where our friendship first bloss.
‘We’ve raced together and maintained our connection ever since.
‘Here in Torremolinos, we shared an apartment and journeyed together. The excitement of participating in the World Championships was palpable.
‘Devastatingly, on Thursday afternoon, Mark collapsed during the final segments of the running leg of our race.
‘Medical personnel were unable to revive him, and in an instant, the world changed for many, nearly all of whom I had never encountered before.
‘I hesitated on whether (or how) to craft this post. However, I believed that writing it and tagging Mark would be the most appropriate—if not the only—way to extend my condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the broader triathlon community. My heart aches for your loss. RIP, Mark.’
World Triathlon, the international governing body overseeing various multi-disciplined events including triathlons and duathlons, released a statement earlier this week regarding this tragic incident during the competition: ‘‘We are deeply saddened to announce that two participants (one from Mexico; one from Great Britain) have tragically lost their lives at the World Triathlon Torremolinos-Andalucía Age Group Sprint Distance World Championships, held today, October 17.
‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, National Federations, and the entire triathlon community.
‘World Triathlon, in conjunction with the Spanish Federation and the Local Organising Committee, is in close communication with their families and NFs to provide necessary support during this challenging and somber time.’
The 2024 World Triathlon Championship Finals commenced on Thursday in Torremolinos and will conclude today.
The Mexican Triathlon Federation issued a statement following the death of Roger Mas: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Man Colomer, 79, during the World Triathlon Championship on the afternoon of Thursday, October 17, in Torremolinos.
‘We deeply mourn this loss and share in the grief of his family and friends.’
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