A young athlete and influencer has died while competing in a gruelling triathlon event on the weekend.
Mara Flavia Araujo, 38, vanished during the swimming leg of the Memorial Hermann Ironman event outside of Houston Texas on Saturday.
The Brazilian national’s body was later found by emergency dive crews who spent several hours searching the murky waters of Lake Woodlands.
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The rigorous Ironman event consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run.
Event organisers confirmed Ms Araujo’s death in a statement posted to the Ironman in Texas Facebook page.
“We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas triathlon,” the post reads.
“We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders for their assistance.”
Just days before her death, Ms Araujo expressed her excitement about the upcoming competition to her 60,000 followers by uploading a photo of her at swimming training.
“Just another day of work,” the Instagram post was captioned.
Tributes for the young athlete poured in through the comment section, with many calling her an inspiration.
“What a strong statement, 4 days before… 😢 Rest in peace,” one person wrote.
Another added: “It’s indescribable to explain the feeling of losing someone so special to you, rest in peace Mara! My condolences to the entire family!”
“Omg, I have the absolute chills reading this post after hearing of your passing. May she be resting and my condolences to the family,” a third said.
According to The Sun, the 38-year-old was an accomplished triathlete who earnt two world qualifications for the Ironman 70.3. She also placed third in the Brasilia Triathlon.
The sports enthusiast’s cause of death has not been revealed, but friend Luis Taveira suggested Ms Araujo had been battling health problems in the lead-up to the event, the outlet reports.
“She was ill before the trip, she wasn’t okay,” he said.
“My wife and I spoke with her to say she was too weak for this race, although a couple of days ago when we talked to her, she insisted she was okay.
“I still cannot believe what’s happened.”
