Triathlete Escapes Alligator Attack in Savannah River During Ironman Training

Jonathan Bruney was conducting a reconnaissance swim for an upcoming Ironman event when an alligator, estimated at five to six feet long, struck his elbow, initially mistaken for a floating log. Reacting to the threat, he recalled a “Shark Week” lesson and squeezed the reptile’s eye, allowing him to escape toward the riverbank. A fellow swimmer applied a cord from a buoy to control bleeding while a passerby called emergency services.

Police and EMTs arrived quickly, wrapped his arm and provided care, after which he felt dizzy and his limb grew cold. Medical staff later cleared him to continue his training regimen, and Bruney affirmed his intention to keep competing and return to the river.