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Man survives alligator attack while training in Savannah River

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 8:21 PM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Man survives alligator attack while training in Savannah River
Summary

Jonathan Bruney was attacked by a 4- to 5-foot alligator on Sunday while training for the Ironman Triathlon in the Savannah River. The alligator bit him on the upper arm, prompting Bruney to retaliate by jabbing his thumbs into the gator's eyes, causing it to release him. He swam to a nearby dock and warned his teammates to exit the water. Emergency responders treated Bruney's injuries, and he is currently recovering. All members of his team reached safety without injury.

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Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •Jonathan Bruney trains for Ironman Triathlon
  • •Attacked by 4- to 5-foot alligator
  • •Jabbed thumbs into alligator's eyes to escape
  • •Teammates exited the water safely
  • •Bruney treated for injuries and recovering
Latest Updates
  • 8:21 PMYahoo Sports — Swimmer jabs thumbs in eyes of alligator to survive attack in Savannah River
What they're saying
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A man training for the Ironman Triathlon in the Savannah River was attacked by an alligator.

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