Triathlon Coach Bitten by Alligator During Practice Swim
A triathlon coach, Jonathan Bruney, was bitten by a 4-to-5-foot alligator during an Ironman practice swim in the Savannah River near Augusta, Georgia. Bruney fought off the alligator by poking its eye, preventing further injury. He sustained a gash on…
Nashville, TN, August 25, 2026 —
An Ironman hopeful experienced a harrowing encounter with local wildlife on Tuesday when he was bitten by an alligator during a practice swim in the Savannah River near Augusta, Georgia.
Jonathan Bruney, a triathlon coach, was in the water preparing for the upcoming Ironman Augusta when the incident occurred. He reported encountering a 4-to-5-foot alligator.
According to Bruney, he managed to fight off the reptile by poking it in the eye. This action apparently deterred the alligator, preventing more serious harm.
Bruney sustained an injury to his arm, described as a gash, which required stitches. Despite the bite, Bruney has indicated his intention to still participate in the Ironman Augusta competition.
Story summarized from the original created by Sydney Hood, Gray News staff on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.
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