A 63-year-old known as the "King of the Channel" for helping set up the Rottnest swim event – and doing the swim himself 31 times – has died during a triathlon event in Western Australia.
Peter Tanham died after he was given medical support during the cycling leg of the Busselton 100 event on Saturday.
He was known as an "exceptionally good swimmer", a mentor, and a man who was integral in setting up the Rottnest Channel Swim — a 19.7 kilometre world renowned open-water swim from Perth's Cottesloe beach to Rottnest Island.
Tanham first swam to Rottnest, alongside his childhood friend Shane McGurk, in the 1980s.
"I think he was number seven to ever do the crossing and he went on to do 31 crossings," Mr McGurk said.
"He was known as the 'King of the Channel' for his efforts."
Mr McGurk said his friend went on to be part of the team to help get the Rottnest Channel Swim off the ground.
"I wonder sometimes if Peter wasn't there, would this event be now the biggest open-water swimming event in the world?" he said.
"I'm not sure it would be if Peter Tanham hadn't been around and had that vision."
A teacher and a mentor
Tanham was also a valued teacher and mentor to many people, including students at his community swimming group at Perth Superdrome.
"People would just be drawn to that swimming group, which was going for decades," Mr McGurk said.
"It was known that Pete will get you to Rottnest, or if you want to get fit for swimming, go down there.
"So the whole community was shaken up and they still are shaken up.
"He has touched so many lives in a positive way."
John Guilfoye has participated in every Rottnest Channel Swim event since 1991.
He said Tanham inspired and trained the next generation of keen open-water swimmers.
"He was a very quiet person, but very inspirational," Mr Guilfoye said.
"He just loved swimming himself and he imparted that enthusiasm onto other people.
"I reckon there's at least 500 who swam with that group and then went on to swim solo to Rottnest."
In a statement, Triathlon WA thanked fellow athletes who rushed to help in the wake of the incident.
"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of an athlete who participated in the SunSmart Busselton 100," a spokesperson said.
"Thank you to the athletes, event medical team and emergency services who provided immediate medical support on the bike leg of the course prior to the athlete being transferred to hospital.
"Support is being made available to all members of the triathlon community impacted."
