The families of Michael Clapperton (58) and Martin Pretorius (29) – the two athletes who died during the swim leg of the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay event on Sunday, 16 November – say that although their hearts are shattered, the legacies of the men they loved will endure forever.
The two athletes were pulled from the water in separate incidents about 15 minutes apart.
According to organisers, one athlete was extracted roughly 400 metres from the shore, and the other at about 1 000 metres.
Despite swift intervention by safety personnel, both were declared dead shortly after their extraction.
‘One of the most dedicated and determined people’
Clapperton’s wife, Terri, told the Mossel Bay Advertiser that the couple had met as teenagers, fallen in love, and built a life in Durban, raising two daughters together.
“Mike was one of the most dedicated and determined people I have ever known,” she said.
She described him as a passionate cyclist – especially mountain biking “off the beaten track” – who loved the friendships and communities formed through sport.
A mechanical engineer at Kantey and Templer in Durban, Clapperton was known for immersing himself in the fine details of his work.
“He had deep respect for his colleagues and clients,” Terri said.
She added that his love for jazz, blues and classical music inspired him to build an impressive sound system and vinyl collection. He also dreamed of one day retiring to a small Karoo town where he could enjoy good coffee, ride his bike, and breathe fresh air.
“Most of all, he loved God, whom he honoured through the way he lived and loved us,” she said.
‘He passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus’
Pretorius’ family, who requested anonymity, described him as a man whose faith and love for the ocean were central to his life.
“Martin passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, doing what he loved in the place he loved most – the ocean,” the family said.
They added that his life had a “lasting impact”, with “ripples of his legacy” continuing to inspire faith and kindness in others.
“Heaven rejoices and celebrates his homecoming as we celebrate his legacy and honour his memory.”
Ironman expresses condolences
Ironman South Africa said in a statement that its “hearts go out to their families, friends and loved ones” and that the triathlon community mourns alongside them.
“We will continue to offer our support to their families as they go through this very difficult time,” the organisation said.
Ironman also extended gratitude to the safety personnel and first responders who acted quickly to provide medical assistance to the two athletes.
