Personal trainer awarded €22k over injury to foot

A personal trainer yesterday received €22,000 in damages arising from “a very, very nasty” foot injury sustained in a triathlon race that has stopped the athlete from competing in any further triathlons.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Gerard Keyes yesterday approved the €22,000 award in general damages to John Mangan, 43, of Killarney, Co Kerry, who was suing Irish Triathlon Association Ltd trading as Triathlon Ireland and the West Clare Triathlon Club.

In evidence, Mr Mangan recalled noticing his cycle shoe was ‘full of blood’ after a few minutes into the cycle leg of the Up the Creek triathlon held in Kilrush, Co Clare, in May 2012.

Mr Mangan said it was his belief that the sole of his foot came into contact with a screw or a protruding nail on a wooden ramp as he emerged from water at the end of the 750m swim leg.

Mr Mangan was one of 167 competitors in the event. He said that, between 2010 and 2012, he has competed in 30 triathlons, but has been unable to compete in any triathlon since sustaining the injury.

The athlete received medical attention at the scene and received four stitches to the wound and told the court that he still feels pain to this day for the injury.

Finding in favour of Mr Mangan, Judge Gerard Keyes said his evidence was “genuine, fair and accurate”. Judge Keyes said it was “most improbable that the injury he sustained was prior to reaching the ramp.