Sport

French triathlete Laurent Vidal dies of heart attack aged 31

French triathlete Laurent Vidal has died of a heart attack at the age of 31, the International Triathlon Union has confirmed.

Vidal, who finished fifth in the London 2012 Olympics, retired in April last year after suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest during a swimming training session.

He recovered after being placed in a medically induced coma for 48 hours.

A statement from the sport's governing body read: "We are terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Laurent Vidal. An incredible athlete and unforgettable person, he touched us all."

Vidal was engaged to New Zealand triathlete Andrea Hewitt, who also competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.