Norman Stadler emergency heart surgery

Scary. Didn't a third former iron-distance pro have to retire/ return to shorter distances because of a heart problem a few years ago? I'm drawing a blank on his name, but I think he was either Australian or American.

I believe it was Greg Welch who retired suddenly after he was diagnosed with a heart problem.  Can't recall the details, though.

Andi

Out of curiosity, I went to his website.  At this link here is mentions that "Greg was forced to abruptly retire because of a condition that caused his heartbeat to frighteningly race up to 300 beats per minute; Sian, too, retired to focus on Greg; Greg underwent seven heart surgeries, each lasting 5-8 hours; (Since going on new medication 16 months ago, Greg’s heart condition has been under control.) "

Aneurysms don't necessarily require surgery and there doesn't appear to be a true way to "fix" them as the grafts tend to be a temporary fix.  If his aneurysm was close to his heart (which it sounds like it was), that is a VERY risky surgery so him surviving the surgery itself is a pretty big deal.

He is definitely done with athletic competition.  Aneurysms run in my family and they have significant limitations on their lifestyle.  I hope he finds something that provides as much enjoyment and challenge as triathlons have been for him.

I'm a big fan of the guy. I hope he bounces back quickly. He's a nice lad and a great cyclist as well as triathlete.

Here is a photo I shot of him in Thailand at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon:

Great pic!

I hope he recovers quickly and wish him grace and strength in the months ahead whatever the outcome is.

I could absolutely be wrong and I honestly hope that is the case but unless this was a freakish aneurysm, there is the potential for another one to develop somewhere else along the aorta.  So the course of treatment generally is to limit blood pressure (drugs and avoiding heat and stressful activities).  I have three family members with aortic aneurysms so my post only reflects my neurosis on the matter.

maybe my computer is not opening the entire article because its only talking about a heart valve....but regardless i hope he can recover and race soon