Friend: Crippen Race Water Much Hotter than Norm

The U.S. swim team is still reeling from the sudden death of Fran Crippen, a world championship Bronze Medalist, during a grueling open-water race in Dubai. Meanwhile, the sport's U.S. governing body is calling for an investigation into why the young athlete met such an untimely death.

Crippen was on the verge of accomplishing his childhood dream, a spot on the 2012 Olympic swim team. But the 26 year-old died on Saturday while swimming in a 10 kilometer open water race in the United Arab Emirates.

Maddy Crippen, a sister, said, "It was his whole life and he was dedicated to his dream. And his dream was making the Olympic team, and he fought."

Crippen was racing in waters that reached an alarming 86 degrees. That's just 15 degrees less than the average hot tub.

Richard Shoulberg, Crippen's former coach, said, "Fran went under with about 1,700 meters to go. They didn't realize it at the time, and two hours later, they found his body."

Officials in Dubai say the cause of death was exhaustion. But critics say it was more likely from the heat of the water, and that holding a race in these conditions is criminal.

Shoulberg told reporters, ""If the water's too warm and too salty, your dehydration level goes up so much faster."

The International Swimming Federation doesn't stipulate a maximum temperature for open water races. But USA Swimming has launched a private investigation into Crippen's death, saying it would "thoroughly review and improve open water safety protocols, procedures and precautions."

Crippen's friend, Christine Jennings, who also competed in the race in which Crippen died, said the water was "a lot hotter" than other races.

"I knew the water was hot and every athlete was trying to make the best out of it and do the best they could," she said.

Jennings was hospitalized after the race.

"When I became disoriented, I just remember a pain in my head and light headedness and I had to close my eyes for a lot, and I was veering off course," she said. "I couldn't even stay behind the swimmer in front of me."

Jennings said she couldn't see a lead boat in the race.

"I believe someone had told me that there had been a boat leading, but I remember looking up, looking to the side to see where a ref normally would be, normally stays beside to watch the lead pack and see if there is any fighting going on or anything. I looked for one and never saw one," she said.

Jennings said she ended up finishing the race, but doesn't remember much about it.

"I don't really remember actually touching the finish pad," she said. "I just remember someone helping me get to the ambulance and that's basically it."

Jennings was told by other coaches that Crippen had died in the race.
Jennings said she doesn't know if the water's temperature is to blame for his death, but said for her, "it could have easily played a major role in (her) passing out."

For more information, go to the USA Swimming information page here.