Triathlon – is it safe for everybody?

Triathlon has become an increasingly popular endurance activity in Poland, particularly among adult recreational athletes. It is connected with healthy lifestyle including such benefits as regular exercise, change in nutrition and, as a consequence, reduction of body mass and better wellbeing. Unfortunately the number of race-related fatalities during triathlon seems to be twice higher comparing to running competition but efficiency of resuscitation significantly lower. The article presents identified cases of race-related deaths occurring during triathlons in Poland between 2014 and 2020. Current regulations in Poland do not protect older recreational athletes from loss of life and health because medical screening before taking part in competition is voluntary, not obligatory. Health professionals should be responsible for education of athletes and informing about an existing danger and importance of medical screening before taking part in competition.