2008 Nautica New York City Triathlon
The first elite pro female to exit the swim at the 2011 NYC Triathlon...
It has been far too long since I felt it worthy to post and blog and write and whine and reveal here, publicly as if anyone has time to spend reading one more online posting these days. However, I will do this, as an attempt to eliminate the persistent claw at my chest. I am compelled by the outcome of events yesterday at the 11th annual New York City Triathlon.
Dreary conditions for the 2011 NYC Triathlon...
The calm before the storm. 2011 NYC Triathlon...
Let me note first of all that the NYCT organization has not had the good manners for a second time in 4 years, to note the death of two of the participating triathletes on their website or to post any condolences. The first time an athlete died, I was there armed with my full camera gear, sharply shooting my husband Felix who was participating in his first NYCT event in 2008, but NOT (very important point), his first triathlon. From what I witnessed yesterday, there were many, way too many, obviously choosing this event for their very first triathlon, if not, first ever sporting event of this type. NOT a prudent choice by all measures.
Little did I realize that I was photographing the tragic results of one man's attempt to complete the swim portion of the 2008 NYC Triathlon
The urgent medics try to resusitate 32-year-old Esteban Neira of Argentina
But sadly and shockingly to me, still awaiting Felix somewhere in those crowded waters, it was too late...
The crush and the rush of the athletes exiting from the Hudson while the man who lost his life is lying on the ramp unbeknownst to them in their frenzy to reach their bikes.
That year in 2008, I was awaiting Felix’s exit from the Hudson river swim portion (the hardest part for him and most), a year where jellyfish were in abundance, and where many athletes were getting stung as they struggled to complete the 1.5 k swim. Several minutes before I spotted, Felix, much to my relief, amongst the thousands of heads bobbing through those challenging jellyfish laden waters, I watched and photographed in horror, the man being hoisted onto a stretcher and desperate medics trying to resusitate him. I was not exactly sure that I was photographing a man whose attempts to improve his health by any means necessary, had lost his life doing so, until I read and heard the news later that day. Meanwhile the same applied to this year. I confirmed what I saw last night, as an innocent bystander that morning, that the two people rushed out on stretchers had died after attempting to complete the very tricky swim portion.
I finally am able to relax when I spot Felix, in his blue cap and sharp elbow. It was pretty remarkable to find and recognize him in the sea of thousands but I had my man's back!
Felix catching his breath after the 1.5 k swim in the jellyfish infested waters of the Hudson River in 2008!!
Felix Finishes the First of Three Legs, NYC Triathlon, 2008
I do not know the physical condition, prior to the event, of these two athletes who perished and will not assume the worst. However, what made me feel so urgent to write this, is the judgment that I rendered while watching so many other participants who were clearly not prepared, nor properly trained, and seemingly clueless about the intensity and inherent dangers of the sport of triathlon and who it seems, had the naive notion that this was some quick weight loss scheme. And as we know all of those can be more dangerous than the extra pounds if not executed very carefully. In fact, I made a few comments to Felix who was there as a spectator this year due to his weekend work schedule, that there was a preponderance of overweight people (mostly young women), exponentially more than other years and I suspected that they were doing this as a desperate attempt to lose weight. Ironically my sentiment was echoed by an elite athlete in the New York Times article that I read last night (see last paragraph- http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/08/sports/man-dies-during-new-york-city-triathlon.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion). Many of them were on bikes suitable for transportation around the city or a short recreational outing but were not appropriate for this sport.
I understand that not everyone can afford a top of the line triathlon bike (Cervelos were the flavor of the day with Conalgos and Pinarellos and Cannondales, etc. trailing). These bikes are minimally $2000 each and way up and even though so many of these participants have the means to buy these bikes, they also most likely have the dedication to the sport. And that means that they take it seriously, which is the only option before one spends over $200 for an entry fee and bragging rights and perhaps goals that are not so easily obtainable, like whipping into triathlete shape.
Felix Flying in the Second Leg of the New York City Triathlon, 2008
As a person with her own weight challenges and who has been married to a man who is the most disciplined and dedicated athlete that I’ve ever known, this is an easy conclusion. TRIATHLONS ARE NOT THE TIME TO LOSE WEIGHT! The time to lose weight is BEFORE, not DURING the triathlon. Because there are no amount of pounds to be lost, that is worth losing a life for.
Felix has written his own recommendations. I will post those below, in case you are interested in the gospel according to the real expert in the family. Thanks for listening…
For all those interested in my passion & dedication to the 3 sports, cycling, swimming & running, today is another great & special day for me because the 2nd biggest sporting event in NYC happened, the NYC Triathlon.
Whether as a participant or spectator I always learn something. As a bike builder, seller & cyclist, I will try my best to share my expertise with others who share the same passion. Triathlon is a serious sport & should be taken as potentially dangerous. One should keep in mind one’s goal including the many challenges through the course. First the swimming part-make sure your body is prepared to be adapted to the distance. Make sure that when you transition from the water environment to your bike and it’s specifications that you fully understand the mechanics of your bike and the capacity of the power of your legs. Those are very, very important tips to ensure that you don’t fall or regret ending your race too soon! As well as knowing your bike you need to know the course and the terrain before you embark on it. If you make it through the first two legs of the race, when you get to the run, make sure you have extra energy left in your legs as you will be almost there, the hard part is behind you.
It’s sad to see someone finish the race due to mechanical problems on the bike or worse yet, it’s sadder to see it end on a stretcher. Felix Telles, 8-7-11
Felix Finishing the Final Leg of the New York City Triathlon, 2008
Finally, here are several more images from the Triathlon, many of which the NYCT would never publish and others which I would like to share for reasons of admiration, inspiration and personal pride in my own private triathlete. Enjoy…
Paratriathlete being assisted out of the Hudson...
The athlete on the right of the para-athlete is rushing past him, oblivious to all around him except getting to his bike. Sometimes I think that the goal should be to just have fun and not always to win or prove how fast one is.
My emotions run high for these who have special challenges when they have safely completed the swim, bike and run...
Even those in good shape physically and weight wise can run into trouble in the swim portion...
Clearly in some distress after the swim.
The look of suffering. It's not as easy as it seems to some...
Another swimmer needing assistance...
A beautiful moment for one para-triahlete as she transitions from the water to her special needs bike. BRAVO for her indomitable spirit!!!
Some of the late swimmers. Notice how one is floating on her back, a common sight for the many who think that swimming a mile of freestyle is not going to be so difficult. Trust me, It IS!
But ultimately for most of these athletes it is all worth it for the right to wear this medal!
My happy husband photographed, being congratulated by a friend, by his proud wife!
Enid:
Thank you for your observations, both written and photographed.
I remember years ago witnessing the end of a triathlon. Scattered on the ground around me as far as the eye could see, were hundreds of people in all phases of exhaustion, wrapped in silver blankets that protect from loss of body heat. Walking among them, some literally writhing on the ground, was an eery and frightening experience. I stepping from the middle of the city into what appeared to be a war zone. Many had clearly pushed themselves too far.
My observations were as an outsider, and I’m sure someone looking at me after I’ve danced for hours, almost to a state of total collapse, might make the same observation of me – yet I’m glad when I do it and revive with a feeling of freedom.
That said, considering the strenuous nature of these events, there should be some way of educating participants about being trained and ready, and making sure that they are medically able to participate.
In terms of these tragic deaths – I don’t know the situation. Sometimes unpredictable things happen. Sometimes even when people are prepared and checked out by a doctor, something unexpected goes wrong. For example, not too long ago, a friends ex-husband who was in perfect shape and very experienced participated in a long bike race. He misread body signs, thinking he had to push through them – and he died.
I have not been following this in the news, so until know the particularities of these cases, I will withhold judgement … but in general, yeah – I agree – these intense races should not be “quick-fix” weight loss programs or entered into lightly – absolutely!
And, hey – Congratulations to Felix – wow!
Thanks so much Judith for reading and responding. It all felt very personal for many reasons. I suppose the shock of suddenly seeing 2 people within minutes of one another, being carried out on stretchers while the first cyclists were whizzing by steadily, just jarred me. I was not prepared to confront death at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning that was supposed to be a great day on the Hudson.
So sorry about your friend. You are right. All can check out but one never knows what lurks beneath. I wonder sometimes if people are not as well as they pretend to be or if there is some covert substance abuse going on. It’s less scary to think that, then to accept that it is just random.
Hope you are well and I’ll share your congrats with Felix, although the last tri was a few years ago due to his schedule and the cost of participating!
People will always try stupid things, like doing a triathlon without training, or being in shape. Although, after 60, no telling when you’re going to croak, so it might as well be while swimming in the Hudson. Was Felix worried about any sewage remaining from the recent overflow at the Treatment Plant? Felix looks great–slimmer than the last time you posted photos of him.
Really Alan, you are right about after 60 or even after 50 for that matter. Being a water sign and absolutely obsessed with swimming myself, I suppose that would be poetic justice to croak somewhere related. However I wouldn’t necessarily want my last taste to be another’s week old lunch.
Actually I know it’s a bit confusing but those pics of Felix are from 2008. I combined the few photos of 2011 that I shot Sunday with my point and shoot with those from 2008 when I was fully armed with my pro gear and shooting my first triathlon. I was very happy with the results as it was very challenging to not only identify him in the swim portion but to be trigger ready to capture all of the emotion and action when he exited the water, to the transition on the bike and catching him approaching and speeding around the first corner then to the run where I had to anticipate how long it would take him on the bike and then catching him on 72nd street. I was on my bike and each time I finished shooting him in each portion, I raced to the next place where I hoped to find him again. The last being the finishing line (didn’t post those). My camera is fast and can handle the speed but I wasn’t sure I could! And I did and was very excited to capture him as well as I did! He hasn’t been able to do any weekend triathlons since 2008 because he works both Saturday and Sundays when they occur. But he does manage to ride to Nyack, Piermont and Bear Mountain when he has time and regularly in the park. He’s not quite as slim as 2008 and his hair is long again but believe me, he’s in excellent shape!
E, though this is a world I am not familiar, I am wholly impressed by the stamina, preparation, discipline and heart that you are responding to. Through your images and text, you placed me within the struggle, not just an iconic moment of victory or melancholic defeat. Each story is a victory; each step is iconic. Don’t get me wrong — images of Felix at his successful completion are iconic, but you give us so much more flavor and narrative. And respect for the individual, as always.
–Chet
cveblues@wordpress.com
Thank you Chet. I adore you for understanding and whilst you are facing your own challenges, for taking the time to read and comment…