Triathlon coach training for Ironman fights off alligator attack during practice swim

August 25, 2026

A triathlon coach says instinct and training kicked in when a 4-to 5-foot alligator attacked him during an Ironman practice swim.

Jonathan Bruney, a 31-year-old triathlon coach, brought several of his NVDM Coaching athletes to Augusta, Georgia, on Sunday ahead of the Ironman Augusta in September. The plan was for a “race rehearsal,” including a practice swim in the Savannah River.

“The goal was to get to Augusta and really just go through the entire simulation,” Bruney said. “Swim down the river, bike part of the course and run on the Greeneway … just to get the athletes confident and clear those pre‑race nerves.”

Around 10 to 10:30 a.m., the group got in the river from the boat ramp next to SRP Park in North Augusta, South Carolina – the same spot used on race day – wearing bright triathlon suits and towing neon safety buoys. 14 NEWS