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Emirate official: US open-water swimmer Fran Crippen likely died in ’one second’

American open-water swimmer Fran Crippen likely died so suddenly last week that he didn’t have time to remove his goggles during a 10-kilometre race, a UAE swimming official said Tuesday.
Fran Crippen
First place winner Fran Crippen is seen during the Men's 10k Open Water Championships and National Team Trials Friday June 4

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — American open-water swimmer Fran Crippen likely died so suddenly last week that he didn’t have time to remove his goggles during a 10-kilometre race, a UAE swimming official said Tuesday.

The comments by Ayman Saad, the managing director of the UAE swimming federation, come as investigators try to pinpoint the cause of death for the 26-year-old Crippen.

The president of the world swimming federation has said that “overexertion” led to Crippen’s death in waters reaching above 30 C off Fujairah, about 100 kilometres east of Dubai.

Saad said Crippen’s body was found with swimming goggles in place, suggesting he went down in “one second” in the World Cup event. He said that open-water swimmers normally remove their goggles immediately when are fatigued or in trouble.

“It’s not normal ... I think he pushed himself too much,” he said.

USA Swimming said it will open its own investigation.

Crippen, from suburban Philadelphia, was found about 400 metres from the finish, organizers said.

USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus said his group plans to ask FINA to review and improve open-water safety precautions.