'Horrifying': Organisers slammed after two athletes die at World Triathlon Championships in Spain

Two athletes died while participating at the World Triathlon Championships in Spain on Thursday, the sport's governing body has confirmed.

Both competitors – one from Mexico and one from Great Britain – were participating in the sprint category on the first day of competition at the Torremolinos-Andalucia Triathlon Championship Finals.

"It is with deep sadness that we can inform that two participants (one from Mexico; one from Great Britain) have died at the World Triathlon Torremolinos-Andalucía AG Sprint Distance World Championships, taking place today, October 17," World Triathlon said in a statement. "Our deepest condolences go to their respective family, friends, National Federations and all the triathlon family.

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"World Triathlon, the Spanish Federation and the LOC are in contact with their families and NFs (national federations) to provide all the support needed in these difficult and sad times."

CNN has reached out to event organisers for comment.

The Mexican Triathlon Federation confirmed the identity of one of the athletes as 79-year-old Roger Mas Colomber.

According to Branden Scheel, a professional triathlete and coach, who was at the event, said some of the safeguards installed simply weren't good enough.

"I just want to say, World Triathlon, that was some of the worst lifeguarding, the worst awareness, the worst communication I've seen at an event ever," he said on social media.

"There was an older man that was clearly signalling for help a few hundred yards out from the finish. Everyone on shore saw it, everyone was yelling for somebody to go there.

"The kayaker is completely oblivious, paddling away. Jet ski nowhere in the vicinity was just working their way up. After 20 minutes of chest compressions I left. The worst crew I've ever seen working the water. You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself. Something needs to change. People should not be dying at triathlon."

"It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Mexican triathlete Roger Mas Colomer, aged 79, during his participation in the Triathlon World Championship on the afternoon of Thursday, October 17, in Torremolinos, Spain," it said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We deeply regret this event and share the grief of his family and friends."

British Triathlon also confirmed the death of a member of its Age-Group team but did not name the athlete.

"British Triathlon can confirm that one of our Age-Group Team has sadly passed away whilst competing at the World Championships in Torremolinos, Spain," it said in a statement.

"Their family have been notified and we are supporting them at this time. British Triathlon and the Age-Group Team send their condolences and we request that their privacy be respected at this time."

No cause of death was given for either competitor.

The Age-Group category refers to non-professional triathletes who compete against other non-pros within a five-year age band. Age-Group competitors receive the title of "World Triathlete."

Each Age-Group race featured a 750m swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km run.