Published February 22, 2011 01:02PM
The city of Christchurch, New Zealand reportedly sits in ruins today after being hit with a 6.3-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, Feb. 22. New Zealand is home to several professional triathletes and hosts several high-profile events throughout the year. Because of its importance in the triathlon community, several athletes are reacting to the devastation through their Twitter accounts. Here’s a roundup of what how the sport’s top athletes are reacting. Those looking to help can donate to the Salvation Army’s Rescue efforts here.
New Zealand ITU athlete Tom Davison – @Tom_Davison_NZ: Holy f***. Huge earthquake. Buildings in town are down. That was scary. Town is going crazy, no power or cell.
New Zealand ITU athlete Kris Gemmell – @KrisGemmell_: How 2 slep at a momnt like this! just want 2 help in anyway, but feel powerless frm here. 4 those still trappd #neverstopfighting we r comin
New Zealand ITU athlete Tony Dodds lives in Christchurch and is still looking for a missing friend – @Doddsy_nz: goodluck to all stranded in Hagley park tonight….still havent heard from the other flatmate :s anyone heard from Harrison?
New Zealand Ironman athlete @SamWarriner – Holly hell…65 confirmed dead at this stage according to the PM – terrible day for Christchurch. It certainly puts things into perspective.
New Zeaand ITU athlete Andrea Hewitt – @AndreaHewitt: Craziness in christchurch – huge earthquake! My family are ok, they are stuck in traffic trying to get together. Be safe everyone.
New Zealand ITU athlete Bevan Docherty – @Bevanjdocherty: Hope everyone is ok in Christchurch!
New Zealand Ironman athlete Terenzo Bozzone – @Terenzo1: Thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Chch today.
American Ironman athlete Matt Reed, formerly of New Zealand – @Boomboomreed: thinking of the people of christchurch.so sad.. the amazing city will rebound. be strong.
Australian Ironman athlete Mirinda Carfrae – @MirindaCarfrae: Wow just saw the NZ news – big earthquake in Christchurch.. Hope everyone is ok?
American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong – @LanceArmstrong: Thoughts go out to the people of Christchurch, NZ after the massive earthquake yesterday. Wishing you all the best.
British Ironman athlete Chrissie Wellington – @ChrissieSmiles: to everyone in NZ…… you are all in our thoughts
British Ironman athlete Julie Dibens – @JulieDibens: Terrible to hear about earthquake in NZ. Help those u can people.
Australian Ironman athlete Belinda Granger – @Belinda_Granger: here I am crying like a baby over the mess in our backyard when I turn on the TV and see the devastation in NZ……I am no longer winging like a spoilt brat. Really feeling for everyone in NZ
Check back to Triathlete.com as we continue to get reaction on this tragedy from the triathlon community.