After a season of perfect preparation and a fantastic start to the day, two time defending world champion Tim DeBoom suffered through a strange and painful medical emergency during the marathon leg of the Hawaii Ironman on Saturday. Coming out of the swim in fourth place and moving quickly through the transition to place himself in second going into the bike, DeBoom was feeling good and in high spirits about the day. A strong bike leg of the race kept him in second at the start of the marathon. At mile 9 of the marathon, DeBoom's management company recognized that he was in trouble.

At mile 12 DeBoom waved over the medical van and alerted them that he was experiencing lower back and groin pain and might need assistance. The medical team monitored him through the next few aid stations, and at mile 14 the physician noted that DeBoom looked dizzy and was weaving back and forth on the road. The medical van pulled up next to DeBoom and as they opened their door, he passed out and was pulled into the van.

DeBoom went in and out of consciousness and was in severe pain. He was treated at the race medical tent and after extensive testing and urine analysis, it was determined that he had passed a kidney stone while running the marathon. “I don't know what's more painful,” said DeBoom, “what I experienced physically or what I'm experiencing now emotionally. This race is definitely a metaphor for life.”

DeBoom is currently in fine physical health, although the bad timing of the situation has left him disappointed and hungry for another shot at Hawaii. He wishes to thank his family, friends, and management team for their support. He also sends his gratitude to the World Triathlon Corporation and the twelve medical doctors who assisted him on race day. 

Sotox Sports Management is a full service management and marketing company that represents many of the top professional cyclists and triathletes in North America.