Loved ones pay tribute to athletes who died in Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay

The families of Michael Clapperton (58) and Martin Pretorius (29), the two athletes who died while competing in the swimming leg of Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay on Sunday, said that while they are heartbroken, the legacies these men leave behind are everlasting.

Incidents 15 minutes apart

Mossel Bay Advertiser reports that safety personnel at the event responded to two separate incidents about 15 minutes apart, extracting Clapperton and Pretorius from the water.

Ironman said in a Facebook post that one athlete was extracted about 400m from the shore and the other about 1 000m. Both were declared dead shortly after.

Remembering Michael Clapperton

Clapperton’s wife, Terri, told the Mossel Bay Advertiser she and her husband met and fell in love as teenagers, got married, began building a life in Durban and had two daughters who he loved fiercely.

“Mike was one of the most dedicated and determined people I have ever known,” said Terri. “He loved his cycling, especially mountain biking off the beaten track, and the people he rode with and met along the way.”

She said Clapperton had worked as a mechanical engineer for the consulting engineering firm Kantey and Templer in Durban, and that he loved his work.

“He immersed himself in the intricate details needed to execute projects with excellence. He had deep respect for his colleagues and clients and the work they all did together,” she said.

“His love of music, especially jazz, blues and classical, led to him building a stunning sound system, which included a turntable and a big collection of vinyl. He deeply loved our country and dreamt of moving to a small town in the Karoo where he could drink good coffee, ride his bike and breathe fresh air. Most of all, he loved God, who he honoured through the way he lived and loved us.”

A family’s tribute to Martin Pretorius

Pretorius’ family, who asked not to be named, said: “Martin passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, doing what he loved in the place he loved most – the ocean. His life made a lasting impact, and the ripples of his legacy continue to move hearts for God’s Kingdom. His life continues to send seeds of faith and kindness across the world. Heaven rejoices and celebrates his homecoming as we celebrate his legacy and honour his memory.”

Ironman responds

In a statement regarding the two deaths, Ironman said: “Our hearts go out to their families, friends and loved ones, and together with the triathlon community, we mourn the loss of two fellow athletes. We will continue to offer our support to their families as they go through this very difficult time.”

Ironman also extended its gratitude to the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical support.

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