- File - France's Laurent Vidal during the men's Barfoot and Thompson World Triathlon championship in Auckland city on Saturday. 06 April 2013 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Greg Bowker NZH 30Ap
- File - France's Laurent Vidal during the men's Barfoot and Thompson World Triathlon championship in Auckland city on Saturday. 06 April 2013 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Greg Bowker NZH 30Ap
Tributes are flowing on social media for the French Olympian and fiancé and coach of Kiwi triathlete Andrea Hewitt, who passed away yesterday.
Many have expressed their grief at the loss of the former international athlete who left an impression on the two nations he called home: New Zealand and France.
Andrea Hewitt is in shock after the death of her partner and coach. Photo / Getty Images
As it happened
Laurent Vidal passed away in his sleep at home overnight yesterday in Gigean, in the South of France aged 31. Hewitt was with her partner in the apartment they share together at the time and is now with his family.
According to French publication, Midi Libre, Vidal was in cardiac arrest when emergency services arrived.
Despite their efforts he was unable to be revived.
New Zealand triathlete Ryan Sissons told the Herald from Cambridge last night that Vidal had recently become his coach and he had spoken to him yesterday.
"I've spent a whole lot of time with him the last six months, and when I found out the news, I literally couldn't believe it.
"I spoke to him probably before he went to bed last night about the training I was doing today, so it's still a shock."
Sissons said Hewitt was the only person in the apartment at the time and called emergency services, "but unfortunately it was too late to help".
He said Vidal had a very close affiliation with the New Zealand triathlon community and was a "genuine legend" and "one of the nicest guys you'll meet".
Long-time triathlete John Hellemen told Radio Sport Vidal's death had come as a shock to the community.
While Vidal had previously had a few cardiac episodes and had a pacemaker he'd been doing well.
"He was happy and healthy," Mr Hellemen said.
Laurent Vidal and Andrea Hewitt. Photo / Greg Bowker
Previous scares
Vidal suffered a heart attack last year while swimming in France, bringing to an end his competitive career and leading him into fulltime coaching.
"I had an electrical problem. Too much sport? High pressure? In any case, a fire. The brigade intervened well, very well even and the fire was contained without any apparent damage."
Instead he'd planned to turn his focus to helping others achieve their dreams.
"I'm shaping the projects of other athletes to help them build the house of their dreams. Mine is in suspension, but I will care for it."
Vidal competed in the triathlon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and placed fifth in the 2012 London Olympics. He spent his life between southern France and Christchurch, Hewitt's hometown.
Mr Vidal was coach to Hewitt as well as coach to a number of leading French athletes racing on the International Triathlon Union circuit. He also had close ties to the Triathlon New Zealand High Performance Programme.
Kiwis pay tribute
Mr Hellemen told Radio Sport the New Zealand triathlon community would greatly miss Vidal, who he described as a "good friend" and a "French man who embraced New Zealand culture."
"He embraced the culture; he was always open to discussion and invited kiwi athletes to train with his group. It's a big loss."
The Triathlon New Zealand Facebook page has overflowed with tributes for the former triathlete who called himself a "49 per cent Kiwi" -both in New Zealand and worldwide.
Greg Cockerill said his heart went out to family and friends.
"I have seen both Laurent and Andrea Hewitt Triathlete race and followed their journey - both incredible athletes and incredible people."
Becs Rae recalled her memories of Vidal.
"What horribly sad news, I remember such an amazingly friendly, lovely funny guy at QEII. RIP Laurent, so, so sad. My thoughts with Andrea & the Vidal family x."
Paul Williams said he was devastated at the news.
"Thoughts are with Andrea and his family. I met him few times when following the World Series around always approachable for an autograph and true gentleman. He will be missed and never forgotten. RIP."
"So so sorry to read of Laurent's passing. All our hugs and thoughts with Andrea and families. Stunned, shocked, gone too soon. Kia kaha arohanui."
Barrie Shepley remembered Vidal as an inspiration to many athletes.
"I had a chance to do the race commentary in your junior years, your young pro debut and through your incredibly successful ITU career & Olympic & World Champs.
"Your career and my memories of you, will be much bigger than the victories and exciting races you were a part of. I will remember you for inspiring and providing support to athletes from all countries.
"I will remember you for the incredible coaching support you gave to Andrea & many others. I will remember you for the complete 100% donation of your time to help the sport grow. "
Triathlon New Zealand high performance director Graeme Maw said he was "absolutely devastated" about Mr Vidal's passing.
Mr Maw said he would be maintaining close contact with Miss Hewitt during this time. He added Miss Hewitt had asked for privacy for the time being.
Former Kiwi athlete James Elvery, who had Vidal as his best man in July, said: "We are all just shattered.
"I have spoken to Andrea and she is in a state of shock right now trying to come to terms with what has happened; we all are. She is with Laurent's family and they are supporting each other in this time of grief.
"Laurent was always so positive. A real inspiration to me and to so many people around the world."
French community in mourning
The French President tweeted his tribute.
"Laurent Vidal was a tremendous champion. I offer all my condolences to his family and to French sport."
Sports doctor John Mayhew wouldn't speculate on what might have happened with Vidal, as without the details of his medical condition it was difficult to draw any conclusions.
He said on the whole risk of a cardiac event in sport was low, but it did happen.
"There is some talk that people who do ultra-endurance sport may have a slightly higher risk of cardiac events...there may be some evidence that pushing the limit a lot may cause strain."
However, he said it was unclear if this led to increased cardiac events.
Dr Mayhew said there did seem to be a string of young sportsmen who died due to varying cardiac issues.
A previous report in the Herald exposed a number of high-profile athletes, including former triathlete Hamish Carter, were all facing heart problems.
Rower Rob Waddell, Tour de France cyclist Hayden Roulston and triple Olympic champion Sir Peter Snell are other star Kiwi athletes to have developed heart issues.
Dr Mayhew said regular cardiac screening was being debated in the industry, but its actual value was still questionable.
"You could screen hundreds of thousands before you find one with a cardiac problem."
However some of the larger sporting organisations, such as the national rugby and league teams, did do regular cardiac tests.
His advice to athletes and any others concerned about their health was to listen to their body and if there were any concerns to see their doctor.
