Man dies attempting 300-mile triathlon
A “TRULY inspiring” endurance athlete who died attempting to swim the English Channel will be “deeply missed”, his sister said.
Douglas Waymark, 44, was undertaking the solo 300-mile Arch to Arc triathlon between England and France when he began to struggle in the water, around 12 nautical miles from Dover.
The adventurous athlete, who lived in Cheltenham, was a “determined and driven man” who loved mountain climbing, sailing and hiking, according to Jo Ikel, his older sister.
She said in a Facebook tribute: “He was my brother and one of the most competitive people I know. He would always be the first to try something and then see if he could better it. He was a loyal and hilarious friend with a massive friendship group… he is deeply missed by all who knew him as well as those who have only heard of him.”
The Enduroman Arch to Arc challenge sees competitors run 87 miles from Marble Arch, London, to Dover, swim 21 miles across the Channel and then cycle 181 miles from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
A tribute on the Enduroman website read: “He touched our hearts with his strength, organisation and quiet humour.”
Mr Waymark also leaves behind a younger brother, girlfriend and parents, Mrs Ikel said.
She added: “His legacy of Be More Doug is fitting for a truly inspiring and much-missed chap.”