New Zealand triathlon champion Tony O'Hagan dies suddenly

Triathlete legend Tony O'Hagan, 54, dies suddenly.

New Zealand triathlete legend Tony O'Hagan has died suddenly.

O'Hagan - dubbed a leader, inspiration and incredible human by many - died at his Auckland home yesterday.

His partner Rachael wrote on Facebook: "Obviously we are devastated by his loss as my partner, our friend, our Coach and a leader in the triathlon community."

The 54-year-old finished second and third at Ironman New Zealand and was a five-time Triathlon New Zealand champion.

Since 1987, O'Hagan was involved as an athlete, coach of O'Hagan Sport and administrator in triathlon.

Cameron Brown, New Zealand Ironman champion and close friend, remembers the first time he met O'Hagan at the start line of a race in Tauranga in 1989.

"I beat him by five seconds. That was my first memory of Tony and there were many more close finishes after that."

Brown had just come back from a five-hour bike ride when the Herald called and said he'd been thinking about O'Hagan the whole time.

"I have fond memories from when I was a 17-year-old racing him to when he was an Ironman athlete, he was one of those guys that was just such a tough bugger.

"He would put 100 per cent into every race. I was always worried when Tony O'Hagan was at the start line.

"He will be very sadly missed."

World Sport Coach wrote on Facebook: "An incredible person, friend and great coach who was totally dedicated to supporting his athletes and always willing to learn and try new things.

"RIP Tony, thank you for your incredible contribution to the human race and endurance sports."