Jonathan Rohr, the accomplished triathlon athlete and American University of Antigua (AUA) medical student who died suddenly last November, will be commemorated this weekend by the Digicel-Jonathan Rohr Memorial Tinman International Triathlon.

The triathlon is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Catamaran Hotel in Falmouth Harbour beginning at 9:00am. The public is invited to come to compete in or support the event and help preserve and promote the memory of a great athlete and scholar.

Rohr’s family and fiancé have assisted in the planning of the triathlon. Rebecca Rohr, his stepmother, will fly to Antigua to witness the race. His father has been involved by urging better health-screening standards for extreme athletes at the event, an area where AUA may play a role. A video tribute has been produced in Jonathan’s honour and a life-size banner of him will greet those attending the triathlon.

Rohr's death (in his sleep) is believed to have been caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a well-known leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. HCM is extremely rare in the U.S., with fewer than 100 deaths due to HCM in competitive athletes per year,^[26] or about 1 death per 220,000 athletes.He had been spending most of his time outside of AUA training for the event.

Four days of events precede the triathlon with an official launch at the Antigua Athletic Club today, continuing with Kids Swim with the Pros on Friday at the Antigua Athletic Club starting at 4:00pm. The Catamaran Hotel will host a pasta dinner and a pre-race briefing on Saturday at 5:30pm. Throughout the week the role of Jonathan in helping to produce this race will be celebrated.

Fellow triathlete Rory Butler remembers Rohr...

"He was always smiling and positive and always had a word of encouragement to offer. He wanted us to pursue our dreams and helped us believe anything was possible..."

"...Jonathan was a great inspiration to those around him. He carried an immense energy and drive towards life and we hope to keep his spirit alive by remembering him through this unique triathlon that he helped to plan.”

AUA has contributed funds to support the event, a testament to keeping Rohr’s spirit and commitment to the Tinman race alive. AUA’s support has inspired the Ministry of Tourism to match the AUA contribution towards sponsorship of the Individual Category Awards. The event is also made possible by support from Digicel, the Observer Media Group, Aquafina, Sobe, Pepsi, Sterlings, the Catamaran Hotel, Xtreme Health and Fitness, Cedars Pottery, Captain’s Quarters Restaurant, Horizons Supplies Limited, 365Antigua.com, the Antigua Athletic Club, Tapas Rocks Cafe, and Adventure Antigua.

The event is hosted by the Wadadli Triathlon Club and endorsed by the Antigua and Barbuda Triathlon Association and Ministry of Sports.