Brazilian influencer Mara Flávia was competing in the long-distance triathlon race Ironman in Texas on Saturday. Authorities have now confirmed she died from drowning during the competition.
The Ironman is a long-distance triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. According to the event’s official website, “triathletes have up to 17 hours to complete an IRONMAN triathlon. For professional triathletes, course completion time varies based on terrain and conditions, but professional men typically finish between 8 and 9 hours, and professional women between 8:30-9:30 hours, with some exceptional performances falling below these marks.”
During Saturday’s event in The Woodlands, Texas, a tragic incident occurred when Brazilian fitness influencer Mara Flávia, 38, drowned during the competition.
Ironman Texas confirmed the incident in a statement, writing: “We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas triathlon.
“We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders for their assistance.”
Mara Flávia died during Ironman
In a later update, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office provided additional details, stating: “The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office can confirm that a participant in today’s Ironman Triathlon in the Woodlands has drowned while participating in the swim portion of the event.
“The Woodlands Fire Department completed the rescue in Lake Woodlands near North Shore Park. Once it was determined the participant was deceased, The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office began their investigation into this drowning per normal protocols.”
It was later confirmed that the deceased participant was Mara Flávia, according to UNILAD.
The 38-year-old fitness influencer had more than 60,000 followers on Instagram. According to PEOPLE, the incident occurred shortly after the swim portion began, when she disappeared underwater. Lifeguards and fellow competitors reportedly attempted to rescue her but were unsuccessful. A dive team later recovered her body from Lake Woodlands.
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