A loved one is gone too soon
No chance to say goodbye
For him a moment and then peace
For you a lifetime of remembering

Sadness tearing at your heart
So intense right now…
Will ease with time, this I know
But missing him never ends

A kind and gentle soul lives on through time,
And through you,
Now the keeper of his flame
He will dry your eyes within your dreams
And you will share his joy and love
With all of us still here

Lisa

From what I have read, Derek was a great person that lived plenty long to demonstrate what being a father, role model…and triathlete…is all about!

My thoughts and prayers are with MIchele (his wife – see the post above) and kids.

To my thinking, there can perhaps be created a unfounded sense of confidence in a high number of “lifeguards” rather than focusing on the training and quality of the personnel assigned to the task. I don’t believe that was the case here as the Philly Tri has a reputation of always adhering to the highest standards and no doubt had all efforts in place to prevent the incident. As well, the organizers are to be commended for taking the appropriate measures ipso facto.

But as has been the case in the majority of swim-related fatalities, unknown medical factors are often predisposed in the incidents. While this case has yet to be determined, it does raise issues about personal risk and reward. Who amongst us has not placed ourselves at risk in some self-inscripted query: “How can I find my center if I don’t visit my edges?”

After guarding the starting line in Oceanside 70.3 in April, it is indeed humbling, even terrifying, to be reminded how easily someone could go down within the hundreds of adrenaline-fueled and frothing fray of competitors. Athletes don’t often appreciate this unless they are overly fearful of the swim; itself a kind of additional danger and personnel requirement.

I would argue that one way water safety might be improved is to both train and encourage competitors to keep an eye on each other in the swim. The challenge is, of course, one of altering athlete’s motive to a philosophy bent on health, fitness and safety rather than competitive success. We do see more of this in the older age categories where modestly-skilled swimmers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s realize that a fellow competitor might be the very one to save their life in the event of a sudden onset medical condition.

All the best,
ST

My younger son and I were at the race and we know without a doubt that the race organizers did everything they could to make that race safe. They have been wonderful to us, and you are correct. I am learning what a wonderful community triathletes are. Derek would be proud that you all are considering him one.

Again, thank you for a nice article. It is things like what you wrote that are helping the boys through this.

Michele Valentino

I also wanted to thank you for your blog. Like Derek, I am a 40 year old triathlete with 2 kids. My wife and I do a few events each year including the ones in Philly. This sport is a wonderful lifestyle for a family to share but this tragedy breaks my heart.

Derek WAS a brother because I feel this connection to anyone who takes the journey. The apprehension of considering the challenge, the accomplishment and sense of commitment when you click that on-line registration submit button, through the grind of training to the many different feelings as you prepare the night before. Then out of bed at 5:00 am ready for battle…

My heart goes out to his family, the people who stood near the banks on Saturday morning waiting to see their hero come out of the water. That part just kills me. I know the pride they feel for Derek. He was a hero who died doing something he loved.

Mike