Ryan Smart
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A female triathlete has died aged 39 after suffering a 'freak' accident during a race in Brazil.
Aninha Zuleica Xavier, from Brazil, was competing in a duathlon - swimming and running - race in Beira-Mar de Fortaleza on Saturday.
During the race, it was spotted that she had not left the sea along with the other competitors.
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The local fire department team, who were called out to search for Xavier - known as 'Ana' - found her 'already unconscious in the sea'.
She was rescued by private lifeguards but died on the way to hospital, as reported by Brazilian outlet Globo.
The Ceara State Triathlon Federation (Fetriece), the event's organisers, confirmed that Xavier had passed 'routine tests' prior to the beginning of the race, and that she already knew the race route. The cause of the accident is as yet unclear.
In a statement, Fetriece wrote: "In this moment of deep sadness, we would like to express our most sincere condolences. She will always be remembered by all of us."
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And Runners Ceara wrote: "Her dedication, sportsmanship and joy left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. In this moment of grief, we express our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues."
The sports ministry department of the Brazilian government also confirmed that they had received news of Xavier's passing.
A sports advisory firm involved in the duathlon said: "The advisory firm said that they noticed the athlete's absence when other participants finished the swimming stage and she had not yet left the sea.
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"We alerted the Fire Department team, which had an officer outside the sea with a communication radio, so that they could search for her.
"We also searched the Rui Barbosa breakwater and saw Aninha already unconsciousness in the sea."
Xavier had been married for 15 years and worked as a teacher.
In February, she won the Ceara Sprint Triathlon Championship, and began training to become a triathlete in August 2019.