WACO, TX — A Waco Ironman competitor was struck in the head by a medical jet ski during the race Sunday.
Amanda Chaney said during the swimming portion of the triathlon, she was struggling with water in her goggles and decided to backstroke instead. It was then when she was struck by a jet ski.
"The next thing I know, there's somethings running over my face, and I like come up out of the water and it was a medical jet ski, and it's a medical jet ski that had run over my face," said Chaney, in an exclusive interview with 25 News.
Chaney said that same jet ski then took her back to the starting line to get medical assistance.
"I threw up some more, and when I took my goggles and swim cap off, that's when all the race people there started freaking out," said Chaney.
She was taken to Hillcrest Hospital, where she said she underwent a CT scan and X-ray. She was diagnosed with a concussion and water in her lungs.
She was released from the hospital the next day, but explained she still wasn't feeling well.
"My head hurts really bad today, and I have to take a couple days off of work. I'm a teacher so that's stressful," said Chaney.
Chaney explained that despite her experience in the Waco Ironman, she would still like to finish an Ironman completion in the future.
In a statement, Ironman Public Relations said they are aware of the incident and extend their best wishes to Chaney.
Full statement:
"We are aware of an incident from Sunday’s IRONMAN 70.3 Waco triathlon that resulted in the transport of an athlete to a nearby hospital where they were treated. The well-being of our competitors is paramount, and we continuously look at how to provide the safest environment possible for our athletes. We extend our best wishes to the athlete for a full and speedy recovery as we continue to offer them our support.”
