'Horrendous news': Paralympic community rocked by freak training tragedy

The Paralympics community has been rocked by the tragic death of a Belarusian rower at the world championships in Austria.

The 33-year-old para-athlete, who hasn’t been named, capsized during a pre-event training session on Wednesday.

According to World Rowing, a lifeguard reached the rower after he capsized, but was unable to prevent him from losing grip of the boat and sinking underwater.

Rescue divers were then called in but could not save him.

“Our hearts go out to his family, his friends, and the Rowing & Pararowing Community,” the World Rowing Athletes Commission said.

‘Shocked and saddened’

Rowing British Columbia released a statement saying they were “shocked and saddened”.

“The athlete, set to compete in the PR1 Men’s Single at the regatta, is reported to have capsized on the regatta course during a pre-regatta training session,” the statement read.

“Our condolences are with the athlete’s family and friends and the entire para-rowing community in this heart-wrenching time.”

Rowing BC para coach Martin George added: “This tragic event will be deeply felt by the tightly knit para-rowing community around the world.

“Rowing BC is committed to the highest possible safety standards in our sport, and will be closely following this situation to ensure our athletes are safe in both training and competition.”

There was similar shock and grief on social media.

British para-rowing coach Eric Kent said: “This type of accident is something I dread happening whilst coaching our para-rowers.”

The world rowing championships begin on Sunday.