Athletes get Hypothermia during tri...YIKES

Surprised it doesn't happen more often. I was in Lake Michigan today and it was pretty darn cold. Swim Report said 68 but I'm not buying that at ALL. My skin was very cold to the touch by the time I got out.

It's because I have been doing such a kickazz job!

Heck a lot of people were pulled off the bike or after the bike at Boise 70.3 for hypothermia, not from the swim water temp (a nice comfy 64) but from the cold/rain/hail air temp on the bike!

I find it hard to believe people had hypothermia in a wetsuit in 55 degree water (unless they were in the water an extremely long time). It just doesnt make sense to me. WITHOUT a wetsuit..now that I can believe.

Some people just don't warm up that well (me included). 
I have seen a racer shaking all over the place after his HIM swim at Mooseman 2008 (first week of June, in NH, the lake where snow from ski resorts melt into).  I did the oly version the day before and water was 58° F according to the RD.  The racer's bike was racked by the edge of the TA so I saw the whole thing.  His hand was shaking so violently he could not put socks/shirt on.  He tried to jump around to warm up his body.  Took him over 10 min at T1.  I was afraid he was going to pass out so I kept talking to him, and his voice shoke.  He said he would like a hot cup of coffee.  As a spectator, I could not help him. 

Yes think the true temp was closer to sub 50 from what I have heard.  There was a sprint and an oly. Reports are that they had more issues from sprinters than oly participants. I think some of that can be attributed to people doing it withOUT wetsuits.

There are some Bters that did the race (and did it well!) maybe they can chime in.