Sports
Hypothermia in Ironman: Rosecler Costa's Race Ordeals
The triathlete and her daughter Marcela recall the behind-the-scenes drama of freezing races in Mar del Plata, Floripa, and São Paulo.
In a candid and lighthearted conversation, Rosecler Costa and her daughter Marcela recount dramatic episodes caused by extreme cold during triathlon events. From fainting spells to ambulance rides, they break down the mistakes and challenges of racing in freezing conditions.
In long-distance triathlon, enduring scorching heat is a constant concern, but races hit by heavy rain and freezing temperatures hold even more dangerous traps. During an appearance on the Stemma Sports videocast, veteran triathlete Rosecler Costa, known as the "Ironmom," and her daughter Marcela Amorim looked back on the most harrowing moments they have faced after crossing the finish line—situations where extreme exertion combined with bitter cold led to severe hypothermia and emergency ambulance rides to the hospital.
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Brutal wind and the hospital in Mar del Plata
One of the most striking episodes took place at Ironman Mar del Plata 2017, in Argentina. Rosecler was chasing qualification for the following year's Kona World Championship and ran headfirst into severe weather conditions. A sudden cold front brought downpours, biting cold, and powerful wind gusts that forced athletes to wear headbands just to keep their hats from blowing away.
Even after winning her age group and securing the coveted slot for Hawaii, her body immediately took a toll after the race. While receiving medical attention and pure saline for rehydration, Rosecler suffered from acute dehydration and diarrhea, requiring emergency transport by ambulance to a local hospital. The ordeal frightened her husband, Marcelo, who closely monitored her admission and slow recovery through more than three liters of intravenous fluids.
Floripa 2024: Freezing marathon and fainting at the finish
The cold-weather drama returned at Ironman Brasil 2024, held in Florianópolis. The race was battered by relentless rain and low temperatures, prompting organizers to set up heaters in the transition area. Rosecler ran the entire 26.2-mile marathon wearing a windbreaker without ever managing to warm up along the course.
After crossing the finish line and making her way to the recovery area, the triathlete suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure and collapsed, rescued by friends and rushed to the medical tent. Marcela and her father had to follow the ambulance transport on the highway until the early morning hours while Rosecler underwent tests and intensive IV hydration.
The cold trap and hydration mistakes
Reflecting on these struggles, Rosecler and Marcela pointed out one of the most common pitfalls for athletes competing in low temperatures: neglecting water, electrolyte, and calorie intake. When the sensation of heat disappears, thirst perception drops dramatically, causing athletes to stop fueling properly while their bodies burn twice the energy just to maintain core body temperature.
Marcela also shared her own battles with erratic weather and gastrointestinal distress at Ironman 70.3 São Paulo, where severe muscle cramping and post-race malaise kept her from stepping onto the podium to claim her trophy. These stories underscore that even for seasoned, battle-tested athletes, underestimating the elements can turn a finish-line celebration into a true test of survival.
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