Athlete requires hospital treatment after jellyfish stings at Ironman 70.3 Goa
Lucknow entrepreneur Satyam Shanker Sahai reported experiencing severe pain and a paralysed arm during the swimming leg of the triathlon.
Lucknow entrepreneur Satyam Shanker Sahai required hospitalisation after being stung multiple times by jellyfish during the swimming portion of the Ironman 70.3 Goa 2026, according to a report by India Today.
Sahai stated that his first sting occurred approximately 700 metres into the race, affecting his neck, face, and nose. He reported that a larger jellyfish wrapped around his left arm at the 1,200-metre mark, causing intense pain and palpitations.
The athlete said he finished the swim using only one arm after a safety boat removed the jellyfish. He alleged that volunteers accidentally put vinegar in his eyes after he reached the shore, and noted that his left arm became paralysed while his face and neck swelled.
At the medical tent, Sahai claimed all 12 beds were full and that two other participants were having difficulty breathing. He alleged the medical team failed to follow anaphylaxis protocols or check his blood pressure.
A person named Surabhi took Sahai to a hospital as his palpitations worsened. Doctors treated him with antihistamines and intravenous corticosteroids, keeping him under observation for several hours for high blood pressure and hives.
Sahai called for better warnings and medical teams equipped with adrenaline and blood pressure monitoring. He noted that while he suffered the stings, the athletes he travelled to support completed their races without incident.