Pre-Existing Medical Problems Among Ironman Triathlon World Championships Entrants

An Ironman triathlon is a grueling test of an athlete's skill and endurance, involving a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run. The 2001 Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii involved 1,518 entrants who ranged in age from 19 to 78. Knowledge of common pre-existing medical conditions would be helpful to race medical staff in planning for potential complications, and in advising patients with medical problems who are contemplating participation in such a strenuous event.

PURPOSE:

To determine common pre-existing medical problems among Ironman entrants.

METHODS:

We reviewed the medical data from each participant's pre-race questionnaire to ascertain the types and frequency of medical problems among this year's entrants.

RESULTS:

Of the 1,518 entrants, only 102 (6.7%) reported pre-existing medical problems. The most common reported problems were asthma or EIA (37), allergic rhinitis (12), hypothyroidism (10), hypercholesterolemia (6), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (5), and hypertension (6). Several entrants disclosed more serious chronic diseases including atrial fibrillation (2), Crohn's disease (2), lymphoma (2), diabetes (1), epilepsy (1), and cystic fibrosis (1). Additionally, 25 entrants (1.7%) reported a pre-existing physical condition. The most common were recent fractures (within a year) (3), below the knee amputation (2), paraplegia (2) and a single kidney (2). Additionally, 43 athletes reported a history of hypersensitivity to bee's, wasps, or jellyfish. Only 86 entrants (5.7%) reported significant problems associated with past triathlon races, the most common of which were dehydration (57), hyponatremia (10), and heat exhaustion (3).

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on our review, it is clear that entrants into the Ironman Triathlon World Championships represent a healthy cohort of athletes, however a small percentage compete despite a history of serious medical and physical conditions.