Fran Crippen’s Death: the Consequence of Unethical Practice.

Exactly one year ago last Sunday, six-time US open-water champion Fran Crippen died about 500 yards from the 10-kilometer open water World Cup finish line. Due to the unbearable high temperature of the water, Crippen unobserved because of the lack of surveillance boats, slip beneath the surface. Crippen’s body was not found until two hours after the completion of the race. A report released by FINA concluded that Crippen’s death was caused by drowning and heat exhaustion, and may also have been caused by "cardiac abnormality" and "uncontrolled exercise-induced asthma in unfavorable race environmental conditions." After further investigation of the incident it was concluded that Crippens death could have been prevented.

Crippen’s death was the consequence of ethical negligence, careless organization and inadequate safety measures. Officials aware of the dangerous 86 degree water temperature allowed the race to commence with only one surveillance boat, and no rescue or medical crew. (For those of you who think 86 degrees would be pleasant temperature for a swim, imagine running a marathon in 120 degrees.) The extreme water temperature and unethical decision made by officials to allow the athletes to race was what caused Crippen’s death.

In this weeks reading assignment Eitzen discusses the consequences of unethical practice in sport. Crippen’s death was a tragedy, but it demanded open water swimmers to challenge FINA and its administrators to make changes to rules and set them into place for their safety. But I have to ask why does it the death of a athlete to make sport organizations realize there needs to be changes?

I think in the present sport society, it is now the responsibility of the athlete to start questioning and challenging sport organizations, and demanding sport management to make their safety priority. However, I believe change will only come when the athletes come together and begin to speak out about unethical rules and behaviors in sport.

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/Commentary/28408.asp

-Carri KIN 577