Triathlete Dies During Swim Portion Of Cleveland Event

CLEVELAND, OH — A 75-year-old triathlete died Saturday while competing in the swim portion of the Olympic-Distance race at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Cleveland, USA Triathlon said in a statement.

The triathlete was identified as Jim Hix, of Claremore, Oklahoma. WKYC reports the Coast Guard brought Hix aboard after finding his body floating in the water. Officials administered CPR before taking him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Our sport lost a member of its beloved community and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s wife, Ann, his family and friends,” USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris said in a statement. “As one of the nation’s top multisport athletes in his age group, Jim and USA Triathlon shared a close relationship and his passing is particularly difficult.”

Hix was the 2017 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Champion in the men’s 75-79 age group, according to USA Triathlon. He has also represented Team USA.

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