Ironman tragedy claims life of Canadian athlete – Toronto | 24CA News
Friends and household of a Toronto man are reeling after news of his dying throughout an Ironman occasion in Ireland over the weekend.
Sixty-four-year-old Ivan Chittenden was considered one of two individuals who died through the swim leg of the triathlon. The occasion had been scheduled to happen on Saturday, however it was postponed by a day on account of turbulent climate.
Chittenden, a seasoned marathoner and triathlon competitor, had launched into a sixty fifth birthday tour.
According to pal and longtime coach Lisa Bentley, the race in Ireland was an occasion he was trying ahead to.
“He was a gentleman. He accepted people as they were,” she recalled. “We’re all richer for it – for having known him – so I feel blessed, and yet sad at the same time.”
Chittenden started coaching with Bentley 12 years in the past, shortly after the dying of his first spouse. He was already an completed runner.
Bentley says he immersed himself wholeheartedly within the sport of triathlon, consistently striving to succeed in new heights.
He later remarried and Bentley says the love and assist he obtained from his spouse, buddies, and triathlon neighborhood propelled him ahead.
On the Friday earlier than the race, she spoke to Chittenden over the telephone. A portion of that dialog turned towards the climate within the aftermath of Storm Betty. A choice to delay the race was in the end made.
“I said ‘Well Mr. Ivan, you must be prepared to go to that awards celebration because you might get a spot in the world championships.’ And I said ‘Just do your best.’”
Chittenden and an Irish competitor died through the swimming portion of the race. Videos posted to social media present tides speeding towards rivals as they try to maneuver ahead.
Global News reached out to The IRONMAN Group. An announcement reads partially, “On the morning of Sunday 20 August, IRONMAN Ireland officials and the specific on-swim safety team carried out all standard safety protocol checks that are completed at every race and determined water conditions were safe for the swim to take place.”
It goes on so as to add that out of an abundance of warning, the swim course was additionally shortened.
Triathlon Ireland, the nationwide governing physique for the game in Ireland, says in its nearly 40-year historical past, triathlon has an ‘impeccable’ security report.
An announcement issued by CEO Darren Coombes says that technical officers with the group attended the positioning earlier than the beginning of the race and performed a overview of circumstances and general water security.
“Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials confirmed to the race organizers that it was not possible to sanction the race,” it learn.
“I am not getting into a blame game because it’s not bringing Ivan back,” mentioned Bentley, when requested about Triathlon Ireland’s place. “But you have to think about – are you happy to send your grandmother or grandfather into that race course?”
Bentley, who’s herself an 11-time Ironman champion, is now dedicating her efforts to honouring Chittenden’s reminiscence.
“I just want everyone to know that Ivan was an incredible human being. I wish we had talked about Ivan a year ago because I would be telling you exactly the same things.”
Chittenden had not too long ago retired from Ernst and Young.
In an announcement to Global News the corporate mentioned “We are deeply sad to learn of the passing of retired EY Canada Partner, Ivan Chittenden. He left an impressive legacy, contributing significantly to the firm’s success in a career that spanned 42 years and a variety of roles.”
Triathlon Ireland says an investigation is underway.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
