Triathlete paralyzed at the start of the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon
On June 1st, during the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, a test that is part of the circuit this year T100 World Tour, an incident occurred that has shocked the world of triathlon.
What was supposed to be an epic day in San Francisco turned into tragedy when Jose Perez, an amateur triathlete and Chicago firefighter, suffered a spinal cord injury upon receiving the impact of another participant during the departure from the ship anchored in front of Alcatraz prison.
A risky maneuver that ended badly
The race began with one of the most iconic—and dangerous—moments in triathlon: participants jumping from a boat into the cold, turbulent waters of the bay.
According to multiple witnesses, the start occurred in chaotic conditions and without clear supervision, causing an athlete to fall directly on José Pérez's head, leaving him instantly paralyzed.
"My brother knew he couldn't move his arms or legs. As a paramedic, he immediately understood the severity of what was happening.", his brother Samuel Perez told local media outlet SF Gate.
No response after the tragedy
After being rescued from the water, José was rushed to Zuckerberg General Hospital where he underwent cervical surgery. He remains in intensive care with very limited mobility and no feeling in his hands or fingers.
The recovery process could take more than a year, with uncertainty about whether he will regain full mobility.
The most worrying thing for the family is not just the accident itself, but the subsequent silence from the organizers. "They told us they would be in touch and help us, but so far, nothing," Samuel said.
Testimonies that point to a lack of control
Veteran Escape From Alcatraz participants say the situation was more disorganized than ever this year.
"There was no one supervising the jumps. They just shouted, 'Come on, jump now!' without looking to see if there were people below," said Kevin Edwards, one of the athletes competing.
A video released by the organization shows dozens of triathletes launching themselves uncontrollably, with barely any space between them.
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Did security protocols fail?
The organizers of Escape From Alcatraz issued a brief statement: "The safety of our participants is a priority, and we have protocols tailored to the specifics of the event."
However, following this incident, many in the triathlon community are questioning whether those protocols actually existed or were simply not implemented.
A precedent that forces action
The case of José Pérez raises a critical question: Is showmanship being prioritized over safety in some international triathlon events?
With the T100 seeking to consolidate its position as the world's leading circuit, what happened in San Francisco represents a severe blow to its image and an urgent call for a review of its procedures.
