Charlotte athlete injured in alligator attack during Ironman practice

Jonathan Bruney, a triathlon coach from Charlotte, was attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Savannah River during Ironman practice in North Augusta, South Carolina. The gator grabbed his arm, but Bruney managed to defend himself by pushing his thumb into the alligator's eye, causing it to release. He was assisted back to shore by a teammate, who fashioned a tourniquet from swim buoy cord. Doctors confirmed that only skin and fat were damaged. Bruney is expected to stay out of the water for three to four weeks but still aims to compete in his upcoming race.

• 5:49 PMYahoo Sports — Charlotte athlete survives alligator attack during Ironman practice