By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
Jerry Kasim, a seasoned swimming coach, passed away from cardiac arrest while competing in the swimming portion of the Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao triathlon yesterday, March 26. His passing has left the local swimming community in Davao City in deep sorrow. He was 49.
Sanita Kasim Soreny, his younger sister and a former member of the national dragon boat team who is now based in the United Kingdom, said the family was taken aback by his sudden passing because they were unaware of any potential heart conditions he may have had.
According to Soreny, his brother was immediately rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Following Muslim burial traditions, he was laid to rest this afternoon.
Organizers of the Ironman Davao event confirmed the death of one of its participants after the race concluded yesterday.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a race participant at IRONMAN 70.3 Davao. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of the race and was transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated,” Alveo Ironman 70.3 said in a Facebook post on Sunday night.
The organizers did not provide more information regarding Kasim’s passing at the family’s request.
The City Government of Davao has also extended its condolences to the bereaved family.
Coach Jerry, as he was known by his friends and trainees, was an employee of the Department of Education (DepED) Davao City’s disbursement section.
Throughout his high school and college years, he competed in numerous Palarong Pambansa and National Prisaa Games as a swimmer for the city and the region. He started working with age-group swimmers as a coach and trainer before establishing his own “Jerry Aquatics Swimming Team.”
He is survived by his two children, both of whom are swimmers. His eldest son serves as the coach for the DMMA College Southern Philippines (DCSP) swimming team.