(6-25-07) From AA Sports Release - 59-year-old Gerald Balaban of Dallas, OR was a participant at the 2007 Pacific Crest Olympic distance triathlon on Sunday, June 24 in Sunriver, OR. After finishing the event in just over three hours, Balaban collapsed at the finish line. Trained medical personnel were on hand and immediately rushed to his aid.
Balaban had suffered what was later determined to be a stress-induced heart attack and did not have a pulse, nor was he breathing. Participants continued to stream across the finish line and onlookers watched in horror as a defibrillator was used and CPR administered to resuscitate Balaban. After several long minutes, one of the medical staff exclaimed, "We've got a pulse!". The crowd immediately erupted with applause.
Balaban's nephew watched the event unfold and was in contact with race officials during the 24 hours that followed the tragic event. According to the nephew, all tests conducted on his uncle show that he is well on the road to recovery and he is once again speaking.
The entire AA Sports staff wishes Gerald a speedy recovery, and we can speak on behalf of all participants and all members of the triathlon community when we say we are all looking forward to more good news from Balaban's family about his continually improving condition.
You can EMAIL GERALD directly and send your well wishes along to him.
