James Williamson died in the early hours of the 23^rd March, 2010. This was the morning preceding the third stage of the Cape Epic Mountain Bike Ride, held annually in the West Cape Province of South Africa. The autopsy report states that James died of natural causes: heart failure.  For this type of heart failure there are number of possible causes (including HCM see below). The autopsy results do not give a definitive explanation for the cause of death.  However, James’ family feels that the following information is important for everyone to know.

 Who is at risk?

The advice from talking to a number of cardiologists is as follows:

-  If you intend a sporting career in any discipline;

-  If you rise to prominence in your sporting activity earlier than most, particularly in endurance disciplines;

-  If you are slow to recover from sustained sporting activity; or

-  If you have any sort of unusual heartbeats such as racing heart, irregular heart beat

then it is recommended that you have an Eco-Cardigram and a Stress Echo Examination done by someone competent as soon as possible. Seeking answers to these sorts of medical conditions is easier if these tests are done earlier – so that the results can be compared with subsequent tests, giving a more accurate picture of what may be happening.

HCM or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy . The autopsy report revealed that James’ left heart ventricle was twice normal size, and there was considerable thickening of the ventricle walls. This is consistent with HCM. HCM is also the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes.

James’ father (Mark Williamson) and aunt (Meg Patey) are happy to be contacted, if anyone wishes to discuss this matter in greater detail.

Mark – roundhil@hinet.net.au and Meg – megnjohn@hinet.net.au