Triathlon coach survives alligator attack during training

Triathlon coach Jonathan Bruney survived an alligator attack while conducting open-water training in the Savannah River near Augusta. The incident occurred as Bruney and a group of athletes were simulating the course for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Augusta race.

After swimming approximately 900 meters, Bruney was struck by a roughly four-and-a-half-foot alligator. He described the impact as feeling like hitting a hard gym floor. To escape the animal, Bruney grabbed its head and pressed his thumb into its eye, causing the alligator to release its grip and flee.

An athlete in the group, Matthew Davis, utilized his training as a wilderness first responder to assist with the bleeding. The bite was reported to be superficial, primarily affecting the skin and fat tissue rather than muscle.