British athlete dies while competing in Costa del Sol triathlon: Sport’s world body pays tribute to 57-year-old
- Mark Stokes died tragically after collapsing during the Costa del Sol triathlon
- A friend said he collapsed in the “final stages” of the competition
- Expressions of support from the athletics world are pouring in
A British athlete has died during a triathlon on the Costa del Sol.
Mark Stokes, 57, collapsed while running during the race in Torremolinos on Thursday.
He was one of two triathletes who died the same day, the other being a 79-year-old Mexican named Roger Mas.
Engineering expert and consultant Mark, believed to be based in Reading, Berkshire, was named as friends made their heartbreak public and paid tribute to him.
Fellow triathlete Tim Donnelly Smith, who had traveled to the Costa del Sol with Mark and shared an apartment with him, said in a painful social media post alongside a photo of the two of them at a previous event: ‘This week we have been in Torremolinos, Spain, for the World Triathlon Championships. This is a race we both qualified for over a year ago, in Bournemouth where we first met.
‘We raced together and have kept in touch ever since.
Engineering expert and consultant Mark (photo) died while running the Costa del Sol marathon
Tributes for the athlete were shared after his death
‘Here in Torremolinos we shared an apartment and traveled together. We were both so excited to be here: World Championships? Us? Yes!
‘On Thursday afternoon, Mark suffered a heartbreaking collapse in the final stages of the running leg of our race.
‘Medicine could not revive him and the world changed in a split second for many people, almost all of whom I have never met.
“I really wasn’t sure if (or how) to write this post. But I came to the conclusion that writing it and tagging Mark is probably the best – the only – way I have to send my condolences to all his family, friends, colleagues and triathlon family. I’m so sorry for your loss. RIP, Mark.”
World Triathlon, the international governing body for the multi-disciplinary disciplines including triathlon and duathlon, said in a statement earlier this week about the double tragedy at the event: ‘It is with deep sadness that we can announce that two competitors (one from Mexico; one from Great Britain) have died during the Torremolinos-Andalucía Age Group Sprint Distance World Triathlon Championships, which take place today, October 17. Our deepest condolences go out to their respective families, friends, National Federations and the entire triathlon family.
Mark (photo, right) collapsed while running during the race in Torremolinos on Thursday
He was one of two triathletes who died the same day
‘World Triathlon, the Spanish Federation and the Local Organizing Committee are in contact with their families and NFs to provide all the support necessary in these difficult and sad times.’
The final of the 2024 Triathlon World Championship started on Thursday in Torremolinos and ends today.
The Mexican Triathlon Federation said in a statement following the death of Roger Mas: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Roger Man Colomer, 79, during the World Triathlon Championship on Thursday afternoon, October 17, in Torremolinos.
“We deeply regret this and share the pain of his family and friends.”
MailOnline has contacted the British FCDO for comment.