A world class swimmer, Fran Crippen, died during an open water distance swim
American, Fran Crippen, died during an open water distance swim. He was competing in the FINA Open Water 10 kilomter World Cup race in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, south of Dubai. When he failed to complete the race, his competitors went back into the water to assist with the search, where he was found 2 hours later, according to Swim World.
Crippen was a 26 year old bronze medalist in the 10K event at last years World Championships. He had won the World Cup race in Mexico earlier this month, and the bronze medal in 2010 World Open Water Championships in Roberval, Quebec.
Swim World reported that the temperatures of the water at the time of the race was about 86 degrees. Many of the swimmers were treated for heat exhaustion once they finished the race. FINA president, Julio Maglione said Crippen had told his coach he wasn’t feeling well at the 8 kilometer mark, but continued on.
Maglione has also said that FINA has opened an investigation into the death. FINA was reported as saying, “The cause of this death remains under investigation.”
Messages have already been left on Facebook pages and Twitter. Chloe Sutton left a message on Twitter saying, “Omg. My long time teammate on the Nadadores and team USA, Fran Crippen, passed away today while racing in Dubai. He was an amazing guy and one of the best ambassadors for the sport and I already miss him.”
